Firewise Safety Tips
Holiday Safety
Christmas Tree Fires
Per NFPA the U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 240 home structure fires that befan with Christmas trees in 2005-2009. These fires caused an annual average of
- 13 civilian fire deaths
- 27 civilian fire injuries
- 16.7 million in direct property damage
- One of every 18 reported Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to one death per 141 total reported home fires.
Links to Holiday Safety Facts and Tips
- Holiday & Winter Fire Safety - From CAL Fire
- Holiday Fire Safety - USFA Fema
- A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety - USFA Fema
- Holiday & Winter Fire Safety - CAL Fire
- Holiday Home Fires - American Red Cross
Vehicle Fire Safety
Campfires
Building a campfire can be a lot of fun, but with the fun comes responsibility. Illegal, abandoned campfires are a major cause of wildfires in the Tahoe National Fores and on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Safe Campfire Practices
- Know the fire regulations where you plan to camp and if any restrictions are in effect.
- Obtain a campfire permit for sites outside designated campgrounds in the National Forest of BLM public land. The permits are free and available from any Forest Service, BLM, or CalFire office.
- Have water and a shovel immediately available.
- Clear an area 10 feet around the campfire of all leaves and pine needles.
- Keep campfires small.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
Extinguishing Your Campfire
- Pour lots of water on the fire, drowning all embers. This may take several gallons of water.
- Stir the ashes with a shovel.
- Continue to pour water and stir the fire until cold and very wet. Use the back of your hand to test for heat, never directly touching the ashes.
- Do not leave a campfire site (even for a few minutes) until the fire has been totally doused and is dead out. It is illegal to leave a campfire burning and can carry a fine up to $350. Even if the ashes are gray and it looks out, do not leave it until you fully extinguish it.
Downloadable Firewise Safety Tips
Fire Prevention Rules For Small Engine Users - small engines start fires . . . yours can too!
