.gif)
Texas A&M forest Service encourages Texans to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 79th birthday by being cautious with all outdoor activities that create heat or sparks.
As a national icon and the longest- running public service campaign in the United States. Smokey Bear has been teaching millions of people how to prevent wildfires since 1944.” With increase in wildfire activity across Texas, Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention message proves to be just as important now as it was 79 years ago”, said Karen Stafford of Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator. Approximately nine of ten wildfires are human-caused. In Texas last year 96% of all reported wildfires were started by humans and their activities which is completely preventable. “The most common causes of wildfires during the summer are debris burning and equipment use”, said Stafford. “This includes parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains”.
Smokey Bear recommends some practices to help prevent wildfires: Always check with local officials for burn bans and other outdoor burning restrictions. Pay attention to local guidelines regarding open fires, campfires and outdoor activities that may pose a fire hazard. For burn ban information, visit https:// tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans/ Park in designed spaces and avoid driving over or parking on dry grass. The heat from vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure it is completely out by drowning it with water, stirring it and feeling to ensure it is out cold before leaving.
Remember only you can prevent wildfries.
For more information about summer wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires.
