FireBeater

If you’ve never been personally affected by a wildfire, you’ve probably only seen the devastating effects they have on communities through the eyes of a news camera. However, don’t rule out that your area will never fall victim to wildfires simply because you’re not in Southern California. Any area that sees a long period of drought or unusually low precipitation is at risk for a severe wildfire. Every year, an average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland is burned by wildfires. Four out of every five of these fires are caused by humans.The secondary effects of wildfires are often more dangerous than the flames themselves. Erosion, landslides, invasive species, and changes in water quality can cause serious damage to your lifestyle. Furthermore, large wildfires are capable of modifying the local weather conditions and producing their own weather complete with ashes, head, and dryness.Though wildfires are extremely hazardous, natural fires serve a beneficial purpose in the cycle of life. Often, fire suppression can lead to even more severe fires because it allows the buildup of vegetation over time which is easily flammable. To prevent manmade fires, be sure to build fires far away from nearby trees and bushes. If your local officials ban outdoor fires, you should listen to them because they’re most likely assessing the current environment at a high risk for wildfires. Never throw cigarette butts into the woods without fully extinguishing them first.There’s no way to forecast a wildfire outbreak, but there are ways to reduce your safety risks. If you’ve been warned about a fire in your area, listen to the local TV or radio to determine if evacuation is necessary. If evacuation is in fact advised, EVACUATE. It’s impossible to outrun a wildfire, so if you’re caught in ones midst, your best bet is to duck in a pond or river or among a bed of rocks.

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