As Pioneer Day approaches, BLM Utah asks the public to be firewise
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SALT LAKE CITY – Increased wildfire activity and hot, dry summer weather in Utah is prompting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ask the public to help prevent wildland fires. During 2020, over 80% of wildfires across the state have been human caused.
The Great Basin Coordination Center, Predictive Services office reports Utah is currently in above normal conditions for wildfires and will likely remain in above normal conditions into August. Residual fine fuels from 2019 coupled with drought conditions throughout areas of the state, have resulted in a higher potential for increased fire activity. Because of these conditions, natural and human-caused wildfire ignitions have the potential to quickly grow out of control and threaten lives, property, and precious natural resources. People accidentally start wildfires during numerous activities, so the public is asked to help reduce ignitions from causes such as campfires, debris burning, equipment use, or even from an automobile’s hot tailpipe scorching dry grass.
“We know that the public enjoys recreating on BLM-administered lands during Pioneer Day weekend and throughout the summer,” said Jessica Wade BLM State Fire Management Officer. “We ask that folks be diligent in preventing wildfires. Unattended or incomplete extinguished campfires, shooting with steel-core or tipped ammunition, and poorly secured trailers account for many wildfires in Utah. These preventable fires can be costly both financially and in depleting much needed resources to suppress other fires.”
The BLM recommends following these tips to be firewise:
- Review and follow all guidelines regarding fire prevention orders in the area where you are recreating. Current prevention orders can be found at https://utahfireinfo.gov or by contacting your local US Forest Service, BLM, or Utah Department of Natural Resources office.
- Remember, fireworks on not allowed on public lands.
- Ensure you have the needed equipment to extinguish your campfire; this includes extra water for dousing the fire, and a shovel or tool to mix the hot ash with dirt.
- Only discharge firearms in approved areas, and never shoot exploding ordinances, or use steel-core or tipped ammunition.
- Secure trailer chains and tie straps, and ensure they aren’t dragging.
- Off road vehicles should be equipped with spark arrestors and never park your vehicle where a hot tailpipe can ignite dry grasses.
- Report all wildfires by calling 911 or contacting an Interagency Fire Center in your area. These numbers can be located at https://utahfireinfo.gov/report-a-wildfire/
The BLM works with local, state, and federal partners to provide wildfire prevention tips, tools, and techniques to reduce human-caused wildfires, including a recent video about how to prevent wildfires on public lands. Visit BLM Fire and Aviation’s Facebook page, or the National Interagency Fire Center’s wildfire prevention webpage, to find additional wildfire prevention resources.
Additionally, people who live near wildlands should prepare their homes and communities for wildfire. A few simple landscaping techniques can greatly improve a home’s survivability during a wildfire event, so visit www.nfpa.org for more information.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.