More than a summer threat: Protecting public lands from fall fires

When the air turns crisp, it’s easy to assume wildfire risk is behind us. But cooler weather doesn’t always mean safer weather. In fact, cold fronts and seasonal wind patterns can create some of the most dangerous fire conditions of the year – especially on our public lands, where many people head in the fall to hunt, camp, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors.

Cold fronts often bring a powerful mix of gusty winds and very dry air. That combination can dry out grasses, leaves, and needles in just hours and push flames quickly across the landscape. Sometimes, these fronts arrive with little or no rain – just sudden, shifting winds that can make a fire change direction in an instant. Even before the front arrives, the atmosphere can stir up strong, dry prefrontal winds, quietly setting the stage for rapid fire growth. And on the West Coast, downslope winds such as Santa Ana and Diablo events hit hardest in the fall and early winter, blasting valleys and foothills with hot, dry gusts even while air temperatures feel mild.

The result can be devastating. In December 2021, the Marshall Fire in Colorado tore through neighborhoods when hurricane-force winds hit dry grasses after a snow-free fall. On the Great Plains, windy cold fronts have repeatedly driven huge grassfires across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, in the middle of winter. And in California, some of the state’s most destructive wildfires have started during “cool season” windstorms rather than during the peak of summer heat.

For those who spend time on public lands, cooler weather often brings a shift in activities but not a pause in fire risk. Hunting season, in particular, sees a rise in unintentional fire starts. Target shooting on dry grass can send sparks into dead, dry, and highly flammable vegetations also known as cured fuels, and small warming fires at camps and hunting blinds or shelters are sometimes left smoldering when hunters pack up for the day. Even in areas where the nights feel cold, one windy afternoon can be enough to turn a forgotten ember into a fast-moving wildfire.

Prevention is key. Always check local fire restrictions before heading out, and carry a shovel, extra water, and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle in case something sparks. If you build a warming fire, never leave it unattended, and be sure it’s completely out—cold to the touch—before leaving. Avoid using steel-core ammunition, which can throw sparks, and never shoot at rocks or metal targets in dry, grassy areas. If towing, ensure chains won’t drag and trailers are not overloaded. A roadworthy vehicle and trailer, including proper tire pressure, can prevent fires that may result from accidents.

Around your property, clear leaves and needles from roofs and decks, cover vents with fine mesh to block embers, and keep grass trimmed within five feet of structures. If the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning, delay any spark-prone work such as mowing or welding.

Cooler air may feel like a relief after a long, hot summer, but it can also disguise some of the most dangerous fire weather of the year. Whether you’re out hunting on public lands, camping with friends, or preparing your property, a little planning and prevention goes a long way. Staying alert to warnings and taking small steps can help protect our landscapes, communities, and public lands.