Although high temperatures, low humidity, and low rainfall increase the possibility of woodland fires, they are generally considered unpredictable. Wildfires can occur anywhere in the country, at any time, often with little warning. Sometimes they start because of human carelessness, such as improperly extinguished campfires or lit cigarettes tossed from a car; other times they can be the result of lightning. Because they tend to occur in remote areas, wildfires often begin unnoticed, and can spread quickly, making them difficult to control. Not only do wildfires threaten homes and human lives, they also harm the environment, killing wildlife, trees, and foliage.

If you live or vacation in an area that is prone to wildfires, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce risk and protect your family and yourself, even before a wildfire gets started. Before heading out on a hike or to camp, become educated on safety techniques. If you live in or near a wildland setting, practice the home safety suggestions previously mentioned in this article and consider these additional pointers:

• Regularly clean roof surfaces and gutters of pine needles, leaves, branches and other debris to avoid accumulation of flammable materials.
• Remove portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney.
• Maintain a screen constructed of nonflammable material over the flue opening of every chimney or stovepipe.
• Landscape vegetation should be spaced so that fire cannot be carried to the structure or surrounding vegetation.
• All combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, boats, etc. should be kept away from your home.
• Keep fire tools handy (shovel, rake, water bucket), and have a preconnected garden hose long enough to surround your home and a ladder long enough to reach the roof.
• Make sure your address is clearly labeled on your mailbox and at the main entrance to your home.