Properly discard smoking materials

  • Published
  • By 60th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Flight
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Flight
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With the summer season right around the corner as well as the wildfire season, the Travis fire department members are concerned this could be one of the worst fire seasons ever.

The area grass is already starting to turn brown and extremely dry. With the dryness comes an extreme potential for fire.

The importance of not being an ignition source is often overlooked. The simple action of tossing a lit cigarette out the window or on to the lawn is just that source.

The main reason most grass fires begin is improperly discarded smoking materials. Follow these tips to help eliminate the chance of being the source.

· Never throw smoking materials out of a car window. Cigarette butts can smolder up to three hours and can be blown for hundreds of yards into combustible materials. Always use your car's ashtray and make sure all butts are completely out before throwing them into the trash.

· In and around base buildings, smoking is only permitted in designated areas with the use of butt cans with self-closing lids. Cans should be emptied often, and thoroughly wetted prior to placing contents in a plastic bag before disposing into the dumpster. Make sure all butt cans are properly marked and kept clear of trash.

· Do not discard butts in landscaped areas. The shredded bark used around the base is extremely dry and very combustible.

· Keep smoking areas free from excess grass and other vegetation and ensure accumulated trash is picked up and disposed.

· Also, keep in mind that a fire can easily start from a discarded glass bottle as well. The heat from the sun can shine through the glass and ignite grass or other materials. Never throw anything out that is not in approved trash containers.

In many cities, a person can be fined for throwing butts or trash from their vehicle. Here at Travis, security forces can issue a ticket for the same offense.

Let's remember, all of us, as members of Travis, can do our part to prevent grass fires. Do not throw cigarettes or other trash from a vehicle or any other place other than appropriate containers.

In the event of any fire, even if extinguished, contact fire emergency services at 911 or 424-4911 from your cellphone.