How Do Wildfires Start?

Information about how wildfires start and ways to prevent them from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association):

There are two main ways to categorize how a wildfire starts: natural and human caused.

Naturally caused wildfires –

Lightning is the primary agent for naturally caused fires. (There are some instances of volcanic activity starting wildfires, but that is limited.) Lightning is a force of nature that we can’t prevent, but we can prepare ahead of time, especially in areas that have fairly predictable or regular lightning patterns.

Human-caused wildfires –

The majority of wildfires are started by humans or human-related infrastructure. These fires are often accidental but can be intentional (arson) or caused by negligence.

Some examples include:

• Campfires
• Backyard debris burning
• Equipment use (lawnmowers, chainsaws, etc.)
• Discarded cigarettes
• Vehicles (engine sparks)
• Fireworks
• Arson

As we approach summer and warmer, drier weather arrives, it’s important that people take steps to help firefighters and protect their communities. Don’t be the source of a fire.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Follow all local burn regulations, burn bans, and outdoor burning restrictions. These can apply to debris burning and campfires.
• Practice fire safety when using equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, weed trimmers, grinders, and tractors—all things that can throw sparks.
• Make sure tow chains are properly connected and not dragging when pulling equipment or trailers behind a vehicle.
• Follow all local regulations around firework usage.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Simple Steps to Ensure Your Fire Pit Does Not Become a Wildfire from the N.F.P.A. (National Fire Protection Association):

Wind-blown embers igniting dry vegetation and threatening homes sounds like a wildfire. Yet, this summer that source of embers may well be your own patio fire pit or backyard campfire.

Backyard recreational fires must be:

• Kept under three feet in diameter and two feet high.
• Confined to a permanent outdoor fire ring, a portable outdoor fireplace, or a commercially designed chiminea.
• Have a garden hose, fire extinguisher, or five-gallon bucket of water nearby.

The fire pit’s location is important – Fires are prohibited during times of high fire danger ratings and on “red flag” days that bring high winds to dry landscapes.

It is important to remember that embers blowing from a backyard fire pose the same threat to your home as if they are from a wildfire. Start with simple steps to reduce the ignition risk, like:

• Cleaning out gutters of seasonal debris.
• Clearing away leaves and needles in the 0-5 foot “immediate zone” around the house.
• Moving any flammable material away from wall exteriors, like mulch, flammable plants or firewood piles.
• Removing anything flammable stored underneath decks or porches.

Most of all, safely enjoy your patio fire pit or backyard campfire and keep blowing embers that come from any source from threatening your home this summer.  Make sure to check in with your local fire authority to see if backyard fires are allowed and if burn bans are in place due to weather.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.