WHAT

Prevention

While wildfire can be a beneficial process at the right time and in the right place, there are times and places where wildfire is not desirable. Preventing the unintentional ignition of wildfire is an important component of a fire adapted community.

There are many ways individuals and communities can work to prevent wildfire. One of the first steps is understanding the causes of wildfire ignition in your community and working together with community-based organizations to help address those causes.

Public education campaigns, such as Smokey Bear, help share the prevention message to reduce the occurrence of unintended or unnatural wildfires. Some communities have developed plans to temporarily shutdown electrical infrastructure when the risk of wildfire is too high. Known as “Public Safety Power Shutoffs” these proactive actions can help reduce the likelihood of ignition.

This resource page covers a variety of tools, examples and resources around the topic of prevention.

Considerations

1
How are fires started in your community? Consider contacting your local fire department or land management agency to learn more about historical causes of ignition and focus your prevention efforts accordingly.
2
Fire prevention actions can impact people differently. For example, Public Safety Power Shutoffs can have significant impacts to those who depend on certain types of medical devices. Regulation of outdoor burning may impact those who are unhoused or living outdoors. Consider who may be impacted by fire prevention actions and work to lessen any adverse impacts.

EXPLORE Prevention RESOURCES

  • WHO

  • WHERE

  • FORMAT

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Found 21 Results

Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Course

Website / Interactive Map
National Fire Academy
This 6-day course from the National Fire Academy focuses on how to mitigate youth firesetting behavior. Read More

Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2018

Database
USDA Forest Service Research Data
Citation: Short, Karen C. 2021. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2018 [FPAFOD20210617]. 5th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.5 This data publication contains a spatial database of wildfires that occurred in the United States from 1992 to 2018. It is the fourth update of a publication originally generated... Read More

Spark Safety

Video
Spark Safety
This partnership between Maverik, Adventure’s First Stop, the Bureau of Land Management Nevada, Nevada Department of Forestry, US Forest Service Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Reno Fire Department is focused on regional fire prevention. Site has infographics tips, and a video series to encourage fire prevention. Read More

Smokey for Kids

Website / Interactive Map
Ad Council, National Association of State Foresters, USDA Forest Service
A kid-focused portion of the national Smokey Bear fire prevention program, this site contains activities, games, and resources that allow kids to learn more about fire prevention. Kids are able to make stories and design their own coloring pages. Read More

Protect Texas From Wildfires

Website / Interactive Map
Texas A&M Forest Service
This website is designed to support fire prevention efforts in Texas. Tips and graphics are separated by fire cause and the site provides a good example of a user-friendly format for fire prevention resources. Read More

Prevention Team Resource Library

Graphic / Illustration
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
This database of wildfire prevention materials was developed by fire prevention education teams. A resource library of graphics, flyers and other useful communication tools. Read More

Outdoor and Wildfire Safety Pictographs

Graphic / Illustration
US Fire Administration
A series of outdoor and wildfire fire safety pictographs available for download and use, covering a variety of messages from grill and campfire safety to mitigation actions like limbing trees and clearing gutters. Read More

Only You Can Prevent Wildfires (Smokey Bear)

Website / Interactive Map
USDA Forest Service
The official website for Smokey Bear has videos, resources, and materials for kids and educators. Learn about Smokey Bear’s history and what you can do to prevent wildfires! Read More

One Less Spark – Prevention Campaign Toolkit

Website / Interactive Map
CAL FIRE
This website provides a guide to the “One Less Spark” Campaign Toolkit, including campaign information, educational materials, public service announcements, graphics, and more. Read More

NWCG Communicator’s Guide for Wildland Fire Management: Fire Education, Prevention, and Mitigation Practices

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
National Wildfire Coordinating Group
This chapter includes specific concepts for communicating fire prevention messages. The chapter also includes information on Wildland Fire Prevention Education Teams. Read More
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Photo Credit: Canva Creative Commons
Community Profile
Fire Adaptation in the Field
Towns County, Georgia

Frank Riley, executive director of the Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development Council, is passionate about fire adaptation in all forms, including wildfire prevention. The recipient of a 2021 Silver Smokey Bear Award, Frank Riley and his partners in north Georgia have worked extensively with area residents to talk both about the importance of prescribed fire on the landscape and the need to prevent human-caused ignitions. The extensive outreach campaign in the north Georgia area resulted in a 51% reduction in human-caused ignitions in 2020.

Photo Credit: Frank Riley, CCRC&D