Area agencies warn of high fire danger

COEUR d'ALENE - Several state, federal and tribal agencies issued a press release Friday, warning of high fire danger and asking the public to take precautions in the woods.

The release said while August is a great time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, it's also the season for wildfires. With the extreme fire danger the area is experiencing, wildland firefighters need the public's help in preventing fires from starting.

Anyone planning a camping trip, off-road vehicle riding, hiking or any of the outdoor recreational activities the area has to offer, should be especially cautious about actions that could cause a wildfire.

* Never leave a campfire unattended. Always add water, stir it and make sure all embers are out. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.

* A large number of fires are actually caused by vehicles traveling on roadways. Maintain your vehicle and trailer. Perform regularly scheduled maintenance to help prevent mechanical breakdowns or failures.

* Remember to have spark arrestors on equipment such as chain saws and vehicles such as motorcycles. Even modern exhaust systems can easily ignite dry vegetation.

* Do your part to prevent equipment-caused fires. Anyone operating equipment in the woods or conducting harvest activities should plan to have a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water readily available.

* Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass. Exhaust systems can reach temperatures of 1,600 degrees, which can easily ignite a wildfire.

* Anyone planning to go recreational shooting should take precautions. Never shoot into dry vegetation and always make sure you're shooting in a safe location. Be aware that shooting of exploding targets is seasonally banned in many areas.

* Refrain from smoking in wooded, grassy or brushy areas. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished before leaving the area. Never light fireworks in the woods. In fact, fireworks are banned on all federally-managed lands.

Be cautious out there. Anyone who starts a wildfire, even if it's by accident, could be held liable for damages and firefighting costs. Should a fire start or you need to report a wildfire, it's important to call 911.

Anyone recreating near an ongoing wildfire suppression operation should keep a safe distance - don't congregate in the area. Allow the firefighters to do their jobs safely and efficiently.

Get out and enjoy the great outdoors this summer, but do your part to help prevent wildfires.