Over Memorial Day weekend, firefighters engaged in fire prevention patrols on the PSICC found 24 abandoned campfires, which can result in multiple escaped wildfires. While patrolling resources also respond to 4 wildfires across the forest. One was caused by lighting while the others were all determined to be human caused. The wildfires were quickly contained but triggered the reminder that we all must do our part to not let a wildfire start.
While the vast majority of forest visitors camp responsibly, it takes only one spark, from recreational target shooting, dragging chains or an abandoned campfire, in the wrong place at the wrong time to put human lives, natural and cultural resources and infrastructure at risk.
If you plan to gather family and friends around a campfire, please do it safely by following Smokey Bear’s campfire safety procedures. If you need a visual, watch this Forest Service video on YouTube. Build your campfire in an area cleared of vegetation. Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended. Always have plenty of water and a shovel nearby. When it’s time to leave, extinguish your campfire by drowning, stirring, and repeating until it’s the consistency of a mud pie and cold to the touch.
If forest and grassland visitors come across an abandoned campfire, extinguish the fire if possible. If not, call and report it to the local PSICC nonemergency number at 719-553-1400.
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Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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