Action can help prevent wildfires Published Sept. 17, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Michael Laskowski 60th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management NCO in charge TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- September is National Preparedness Month and America's Prepare-A-thon Day is scheduled for Sept. 30. This is an opportunity to increase the level of emergency preparedness for yourself, your family and community. This week's theme is wildfires and what you can do to prepare yourself. Wildfires can occur anywhere and can destroy homes, businesses, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture. Wildfires can start from natural causes, such as lightning strikes, but most are caused by humans, either accidentally -- from cigarettes, campfires or outdoor burning -- or intentionally. Flying embers can set fire to buildings more than a mile away from the wildfire itself. Smoke can cause health issues for people, even for those far away from the fire. Within our four-state area, we sometimes have red flag fire warning days issued by the National Weather Service when fire danger exists and weather patterns support wildfires to occur. There are things that you can do to take action now. This includes staying informed on weather conditions and emergency events - when you head out to enjoy our beautiful weather by camping or lighting a fire in your fire pit or barbecue, think about the weather conditions and where any stray embers may land. Know evacuation routes and how to evacuate, should the need arise. Practice how you'll communicate with family members so you know they are safe and can let them know that you are safe. Check your fire extinguishers at home and in your outdoor equipment. Do you know how to use them? Lastly, practice fire prevention: Outdoor burning ● Do not conduct outdoor burning during red-flag conditions. ● Dry fuel combined with high temperatures, low humidity and high winds make fire nearly impossible to control. ● Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. ● Be cautious any time you use fire. Make sure that outdoor fires are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended. Driving off-road ● Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. ● Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. ● Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. ● When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent. ● Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. ● Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts. Making a campfire ● Be aware of any local burn bans that may be in effect for your area. ● Clear a generous zone around fire rings. ● When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember. ● Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire. ● Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid to start a fire. ● Keep campfires small and controllable. ● Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by. ● Never leave a campfire unattended. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp even if it's just for a few moments. Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.