Just because it rained recently doesn't mean the fire restrictions will be lifted. Although the ground may be wet on the surface, the fire danger may still be high because of the low level of moisture in the trees and other vegetation. It takes a lot more than a couple of rainy days for trees to absorb enough moisture to reduce the fire danger. Grassy areas and areas with light shrubbery may respond quicker to rain but always respect posted fire restrictions and/or check with the local ranger.
As the fire danger increases, even the use of gas fired BBQs and stoves may be prohibited. Fire danger is carefully monitored and measured by rangers and local fire departments and restrictions are not issued lightly and are usually rigorously enforced. All it takes is one careless, thoughtless,or ignorant camper to turn loose a wildfire that may destroy thousands of acres of property, including any homes within it. The fines and penalties for violating fire restrictions can be very high. Sometimes you may be found liable for damages, which include property damage, people injured or killed, and cost of fighting the fire running into millions of dollars!
Open fires and cigarettes are not the only man-made cause of wildfires. Sparks from equipment (chain saws, motorcycles, ATVs, lawnmowers, etc) and hot exhaust systems, especially catalytic converters, on modern cars and trucks can ignite dry grass. As fire danger increases, off-road travel by any vehicles may be prohibited. Embers escaping through improperly constructed chimneys on indoor fireplaces and wood burning stoves can also be a hazard so it is important to make sure spark arrestors on chimneys are properly installed and in good repair.
Lightning is also a common cause of forest fires. Active thunderstorms may spark spot fires, which, if not quickly doused, can spread out of control. While naturally occurring fires are healthy and even essential for the survival of some forests, land managers still monitor and manage fires to avoid destruction of buildings, ensure the safety of local residents and visitors, and prevent excessive destruction of wildlife habitat and watershed. If a ranger or law enforcement tells you to evacuate, DO IT NOW! Delaying your departure could be fatal! We had one gentlemen who refused to leave when advised to evacuate during the Holiday Farm Fire on the McKenzie River last year. He called for help a couple of hours later but despite several attempts to reach him, firefighters were unable to get through the fire and debris to get him out. His body was recovered about a week later. If he had left when advised to do so, he would still be alive today.
High winds increase fire danger, especially hot, dry wind. The wind draws moisture out of vegetation and can blow down limbs that knock down power lines that can ignite fires. Since this often happens in remote locations it is often the start of large forest fires. Downed power lines during a wind storm were suspected in the Holiday Farm Fire in along the McKenzie River in Oregon in 2020. Even though the fire started close to the highway and the Upper McKenzie Fire Department responded quickly and in force along with the US Forest Service, high winds blew the fire down the river valley like a blow torch, destroying nearly 800 structures and completely wiping out the little town of Blue River, Oregon. Eventually the fire consumed more than 173,000 acres.
Penalties for starting a wildfire can be very severe. A 15 year old who deliberately started a 25,000 acre fire in Malibu, California some years ago using a cigarette and book of matches was sentenced to retention by the California Youth Authority until his 21st birthday. A couple pulling a trailer with flat tire that set several fires across multiple Western states were sued by the State of Idaho for $2 million and ordered to pay extensive additional damages for the cost of fighting the fires and the loss of property. Clearly the couple did not intentionally set the fires but were still held responsible for reckless behavior when they failed to notice the flat tire and continued to drive with pieces of flaming rubber being thrown into dry grass along the highway for hundreds of miles. When lives are lost in wildfires, the person(s) responsible for the fire may be charged with manslaughter.
Fire Danger signs are usually a colored half circle with various colors indicating different levels. An arrow indicates the current fire danger. Always watch for these signs and pay close attention to the indicated fire danger. It may save your life!
Another variation is simple text or electronic sign that says "FIRE DANGER LOW", "FIRE DANGER MODERATE", "FIRE DANGER HIGH", or "FIRE DANGER EXTREME". If you don't understand what each of these means and what restrictions apply, stop at a local ranger station and find out. Basically, the higher the danger, the more restrictions. HIGH fire danger usually means campfires only in approved campground fire pits. EXTREME means NO CAMPFIRES ANYWHERE! There will also be restrictions on off road vehicle travel and use of chain saws and other equipment. You don't want to learn the meaning from a ranger or deputy who issues a ticket or from the judge who sets your fine! Be assured: ignorance is not a valid excuse!
And, as always, make sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave your campsite, especially during fire season. That doesn't just mean it has burned down. Residual heat in the coals under the ashes can be blown around or be fanned into flames. Drown your campfire and stir the ashes until they are cool to the touch. The gray water from an RV is a good source of water to drown your campfire so you don't waste drinking water. But don't try using what comes out of your black water tank. It is illegal and I promise the consequences will be very unpleasant and you won't enjoy them at all. I remember when a group of Boy Scouts decided to pee on a fire to put it out. You wouldn't believe how nasty the odors were! Imagine what it would be if you dumped black water on your fire. Covering a fire with dirt or sand can help prevent it from erupting and spreading but it also traps heat and can smolder for days, sometimes breaking out and spreading long after it has been abandoned so it is always best to completely drown your fire before leaving it. Buried fires sometimes burn along roots and erupt some distance away.
When a fire ban is posted it is there for a legitimate reason. As a volunteer firefighter I was recently called to a brush fire in a local campground. It was caused by an illegal campfire during a fire ban. The people who caused it had been personally told there were to be NO FIRES and it was clearly posted along the roads and at check-in. The private resort fined them $75.00 and they will probably be facing further fines and/or prosecution by the state fire service. High fire danger postings and fire restrictions are NOT there to harass campers. They are there for everyone's safety because there is a real and present danger!
Stay cool!
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