Prescott National Forest

Fire Prevention and Safety Reminder

Contact: Debbie Maneely, (928) 443-8130

PRESCOTT, AZ, May 18, 2010 - With high school graduation celebrations beginning as early as this weekend and Memorial Day celebrations next weekend, we want to remind forest visitors about fire prevention and safety. The Southwest has already experienced several wildfires. On the Prescott National Forest alone, approximately 30 abandoned campfires have been found over the last two weekends. In anticipation of increased visitation, Fire Officials want to remind visitors that we all have a role to play in preventing dangerous human-caused fires. "We want visitors to continue recreating on the Forest and to enjoy their weekends", said Mike Leonard, Acting District Ranger, "However, we want to remind them to be careful when having campfires and smoking on the forest."

A few reminders about the use of campfires and smoking on the forest:

• Don’t throw cigarette butts in the forest or out vehicle windows.
• Keep your campfires small. Bring water and a shovel to extinguish your campfire.
• If possible use an established campfire ring.
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, dry grass, pine needles and leaves.
• Pile extra wood away from the fire.
• Clear the ground to bare soil within a 10-foot diameter circle.
• Never leave your campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread by carrying hot embers out of your fire ring.
• Do not bury your coals as they can smolder and re-ignite later.
• When extinguishing your campfire, use the Pour, Stir, Feel method. Pour water onto your campfire. With a shovel, stir the ashes and embers, using dirt to help cool the fire faster. Gently feel with the back of your hand for any heat in your campfire. If it’s too hot to touch, than it’s too hot to leave. Repeat these steps until you are certain your campfire is Dead-Out. When it’s cool enough to stick your hand in, it’s cool enough to leave.

Forest officials would like to remind visitors that motorized vehicle use is restricted to designated forest roads and trails. Cross country travel is prohibited to all motorized vehicles, except for where authorized.

As always, public and firefighter safety is our top priority. For current information on prescribed burns visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott or call the Prescott National Forest fire information line at 928-777-5799.

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USDA Forest Service - Prescott National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 24 May 2010 at 14:52:54 EDT