Prevention & Mitigation

Req 4a — Wildfire Causes & Prevention

4a.

Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation. Discuss Wildfire Prevention:.

Preventing unwanted human-caused wildfires is the single most cost-effective way to protect communities and natural resources.

Fire Is Everyone's Fight FEMA U.S. Fire Administration community fire safety and prevention campaign initiative. Link: Fire Is Everyone's Fight — https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/fief/

Requirement 4a1: Main Causes of Wildfire in the United States

4a1.

The main causes of wildfire in the United States

Nearly 85% to 90% of wildfires in the United States are caused by humans, while natural causes account for the remaining 10% to 15%.

Primary Causes Breakdown

  • Human Causes (85–90%):
    • Unattended Campfires: Escaped embers from campfires that were not completely extinguished with water and dirt.
    • Debris & Trash Burning: Burning yard waste, leaves, or trash during high wind or low humidity warnings.
    • Equipment Use & Sparks: Dragging trailer safety chains on asphalt, lawnmower blades striking rocks, or hot exhaust pipes idling over dry grass.
    • Discarded Smoking Materials: Throwing lit cigarettes out of vehicle windows.
    • Arson & Fireworks: Intentional burning or illegal fireworks set off near dry vegetation.
  • Natural Causes (10–15%):
    • Dry Lightning: Lightning strikes from thunderclouds that produce rain that evaporates before reaching the ground (virga), igniting dry timber.
    • Volcanic Activity: Lava or hot pyroclastic flows igniting surrounding forests (rare).

Requirement 4a1 Resources

🎬 Video: Wildfires 101 — https://youtu.be/5hghT1W33cY

Wildfires 101

Requirement 4a2: Preventing Human-Caused Wildfires on Scouting Outings

4a2.

How you can prevent human caused wildfires in your community and on outings with your unit.

Campfire & Outing Wildfire Prevention

Scout unit rules for campfire safety
  • 1. Follow Fire Bans: Always check local fire restrictions and burn bans before lighting any fire.
  • 2. Clear a 10-Foot Perimeter: Scrape away all leaves, twigs, and organic soil down to bare mineral dirt around your fire pit.
  • 3. Douse, Stir, and Douse Again: Extinguish campfires by drowning all embers with water, stirring the ashes with a shovel, and adding more water.
  • 4. Test with the Back of Your Hand: Never leave a fire pit until the coals are completely cold to the touch.
  • 5. Keep Fuel Away from Heat: Store liquid stove fuels and camp lantern gas at least 20 feet away from open flames.
  • 6. Secure Trailer Safety Chains: Ensure towing chains are hooked high enough so they do not drag and create sparks on highway pavement.

Requirement 4a2 Resources

🎬 Video: Wildfire Prevention With Smokey the Bear — https://youtu.be/tUTyDGlJt00

Wildfire Prevention With Smokey the Bear

Next Steps

Now explore how communities located in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) build defensible space to protect homes from approaching wildfires.