Yuma, Arizona - Arizona has seen several serious wildfires so far this season and often wildfires are human caused, not necessarily intentional but due to carelessness.Warm days, but often cold nights will mean camp fires. With low humidity, and occasional periods of gusty winds, fires can spread quickly and be more difficult to stop. Preventing fires is much easier and safer than putting them out. Here are a few things we would like you to keep in mind:
Use extreme care in the use of all fire, and potentially fire causing activities, whether it be for industrial, home, or recreational use.
Make sure campfires and smoking materials are extinguished.
Use spark arrestors in mechanical equipment such as chain saws and off-road vehicles and when you pull off a roadway, be sure not to park in grassy areas. Even dragging chains from trailers or other vehicles can spark wildfires.
Observe “Red Flag” warnings. Those warnings will be issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are right for the easy start and rapid spread of wildfires. During such times, citizens should curtail activities that could cause fire and should obey all fire restrictions and area closures. Be sure to call ahead or check on line for restrictions where you are headed.
For more information about fire and injury prevention classes we offer, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 928-373-4855.