TULSA, Okla. –The winter season often brings a flare-up of wildfires across Oklahoma with dormant plant life and vegetation. And when wildfires spark, conditions can change rapidly. Here are some things you can do to help prevent small sparks becoming big fires.
First and foremost, avoid any sort of outdoor burning on high fire danger days. Also avoid activities that could cause sparks, like using welding equipment or brush cutting. Always observe local burn bans when they are in effect.
If you’re driving and you have vehicle trouble, avoid parking your car on dry grass. Also secure trailer chains and make sure you don’t have any loose metal that could cause a spark. And please do NOT throw cigarette butts from your car.
If you’re a landowner especially in a more rural area, survey the status of the home, other buildings and equipment. Determine how the property can stand alone if fire response is delayed or not available. Keep the area mowed down short and make sure any kind of flammable shrubs or trees are a safe distance from the home and buildings.
And if you see a fire, or see or smell smoke, call 911 immediately.
Wildfire season can be very taxing on our hard-working local fire officials, so following these tips can help limit the amount of fires they have to fight. Let’s help them out!
