Only you can help prevent forest fires

Because the American Southwest and Israel have similar climates, the U.S. Forest Service shares a 15-year partnership with Jewish National Fund. JNF foresters, responsible for fire prevention and safety in Israel's forests, visit the United States each summer to take courses from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. foresters also go to Israel for training.

"We take Israel's depth of experience and apply it to our situation," says Tom Hoekstra, director of Inventory and Monitoring Institute of the U.S. Forest Service. "Their experience in handling forest fire situations in arid environments has been of tremendous benefit."

Last summer was the second largest fire season in the past 50 years; this summer is expected to be an above-normal fire season, according to foresters from Jewish National Fund and the U.S. Forest Service.

"Severe drought conditions throughout southern California, the Southwest, the East Coast and Denver were the main cause of last year's fire season," says Dale Bosworth, chief of the U.S. Forest Service. "Expect the continued drought situation to affect this year's fire season in the West, although not as severely as 2002."

JNF advises residents to avoid the risk of wildfires in woodlands, fields and parks and to be aware that periods of unusually low precipitation increase the likelihood of severe wildfires. JNF also urges people to exercise extra caution when in contact with any flammable materials if their region is experiencing a dry season, especially with high winds.

Following are suggestions from Jewish National Fund about fire prevention and preparation.
    Passing through: Driving in outdoor areas

  • Parking in tall grass or shrubs can start fires because the hot catalytic converter comes into contact with dry plant materials. Don't park where vegetation is touching the underside of your vehicle. Motorcycles and ATVs should have spark arresters.

  • Do not discard smoking materials from vehicles, use interior ashtrays.

  • Be aware of smoking restrictions in forests, national parks and other public lands.

  • All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) produce an enormous amount of heat and can ignite brush from their exhaust systems. Don't park your car, truck, or recreational vehicle on dry grass or brush even for a minute. The exhaust system on a vehicle can reach a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees. It only takes 500 degrees to start a wildfire in the fire season.

    If a wildfire is burning near your home

  • Stay calm. Call 911 to report a fire.

  • Cover all eave and roof vents.

  • Wear protective clothing like sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.

  • Cover large picture windows with plywood.

  • Close all windows and doors, open drapes.

  • Evacuate to a safe location.

    Playing in the outdoors: Campfires and other recreational fire hazards

  • Find out about fire conditions before you visit an area and strictly observe any restrictions that may be in effect. In many areas, all wood and charcoal fires may be prohibited, but gas or propane camp stoves are allowed. Other areas allow campfires only in established campgrounds with fire grills or pits. A few areas have banned all ignition sources, including camp stoves.

  • When camping, select your campsite carefully. Avoid fragile environments, use existing clear areas and return any displaced leaf litter or branches after use.

  • Use fuel stoves where dry wood is scarce.

  • Use only fallen wood.

  • Before building a campfire, prepare the area by removing all leaves, twigs and other flammable material within 10 feet of your campfire.

  • Use an established fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least ten feet from trees, shrubs, structures and debris.

  • Keep fire suppression tools such as a shovel and a bucket of water on hand in case your campfire starts to get out of control.

  • Don't leave a campfire unattended.

  • Be certain your campfire is completely extinguished before you go to bed or leave the area.

  • Pour water on the fire and douse the site thoroughly. Stir water and dirt into the coals with a shovel or stick until there are no embers and the ashes are cold to the touch.

  • Make sure the fire is "dead out" before you leave.

  • Fireworks are not allowed anywhere on national and state forests, national park and on other public lands.


Return to Main Story