If you’re coming to Baker and want to head out on a scenic drive, hike, or ride, or you’re searching for the perfect camp spot, we have to talk about wildfires.
Our summers are hot and dry, and they can be even drier if the winter didn’t bring a lot of snow. This along with our plentiful forests and grasslands makes wildfires a very real threat every summer season.
Make sure you aren’t the cause of the next one! Read on for helpful guidelines to ensure you keep our beautiful land from becoming fuel for the fire.
Check local conditions and restriction
Vehicles
Your vehicle can make sparks or heat up dry grasses on dirt roads. If you are towing, prevent sparks from improperly connected tow chains. These are a major culprit of human-made wildfires. Don’t drag chains on the ground! Flat tires can also cause sparks since you may end up driving on the rim. When driving on dirt backroads, be careful of tall grasses in the roadway. The hot underside of your car can easily ignite these grasses. When in doubt, choose a different road or find a different destination.
Campfires
First off, make sure you are allowed to make a campfire. Some areas prohibit campfires at all times, and sometimes burn bans prohibit campfires during certain seasons. In wilderness areas, campfires may be prohibited completely or prohibited within 100 feet of any lake.
When building a fire:
- Use established rings, fire pans, or mound fires
- Keep fires small
- Do not burn garbage or anything that is not wood
- Do not leave your fire unattended
- Never put hot coals in dumpsters
- Completely extinguish your fire. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Learn all the steps to do it right.
- Disperse cool coals
- Leave your fire pit and campsite cleaner than you found it
Fireworks and Explosives
Any and all fireworks and explosives are prohibited on National Forest lands. In other areas, fireworks are generally a bad idea and can get out of control. We encourage finding other, safer ways to celebrate.
Keep Drones out of Wildfire Zones
During active wildfires, drones get in the way of firefighting aircraft. They are a hazard for the aircraft crews and prevent essential firefighting service from happening. Never fly your drone in or near a wildfire zone. You can be fined or even go to prison.
With these considerations in mind, get out there and enjoy the summer!