Help Prevent Fires
By Tyla Friemoth

People in the United States don't realize that fire safety is a big part of preventing fires. Preventing fires saves lives, homes and our forest.

There are many ways you can help to prevent fires. Clear all flammable vegetation from 0 to 30 feet from each structure. This makes a "Lean, Clean and Green Zone." All dead plants and trees within 100 feet should be removed. Trees and plants should be well spaced, well pruned and create a condition that avoids the spread of fire. Fire fighters do prescribed burns to help prevent crown fires.

Fires have been around for millions of years. Fires are natural and help some plants reproduce. A lot of fires are started by lightning [and] sometimes fire fighters use fire to stop fires, this is called a back fire. The two fires meet and put each other out.

You can help to prevent fires by maintaining the proper clearing guidelines around your home. By not throwing out lit cigarettes. When camping by keeping your campfire in a fire ring. By turning in someone suspicious, to the police or fire department.

If people would be more careful we would not have as many fires as we do. Some fires are caused naturally, but most are caused by careless people. As Smokey the Bear says only you can prevent fires.