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5 ways to prevent wildfires

Wildfires can be dangerous to landscapes and to people. Nearly 9 out of 10 fires are caused by humans—and the hotter, drier summer months are prime time for sparks to spread.

Wildfire prevention

Make sure your campfire is all the way out. Before you leave, drown it, stir it, then drown it again. The embers should feel cold to the touch.

Avoid driving on dry grass. Your vehicle's heat could ignite vegetation.

Check the weather. Don't make a fire on windy days or in other risky conditions.

Never leave your fire unattended. Keep an eye on burn piles, campfires and other blazes.

Use caution with lawn mowers and power tools. They can spark a fire when it's dry and hot out.

Reviewed 3/26/2026

Sources

U.S. Department of Energy. "Wildfire Awareness Month: How You Can Prepare." https://www.energy.gov/articles/wildfire-awareness-month-how-you-can-prepare.
U.S. Forest Service. "Fire Safety For Kids." https://smokeybear.com/fire-safety-for-kids.
U.S. Forest Service. "Smokey Bear." https://smokeybear.com/.