Fire Officials Urge Public Caution, Steps to Take Regarding Idaho Wildfires
(Boise) -- Idaho is experiencing one of the worst fires seasons in the state’s history, from large, fast-moving range fires to the conflagrations now raging across more than 500,000 acres of Idaho’s mountains and forests. And weather forecasts offer little relief for the weeks ahead.
Extreme burning conditions, wrought by years of drought, recent record high temperatures, and extremely low humidity and fuel moisture levels, have created fire behavior never before seen by even the most veteran firefighters. At times like these, fire managers fear the most for firefighter and public safety.
Leonard Wehking, state fire management officer for the BLM, says there are ways the public can help firefighters but he urges caution. “We need the continued help from the public to be our eyes and ears out there, but the last thing we need is for anyone to get hurt trying to fight a fire,” Wehking said. “This year, it’s already happened in South Dakota and Utah and I don’t want to see it happen in Idaho.”
Wehking added that public and firefighter safety is the top priority and firefighters will do everything possible when lives are in danger. “However, we need every resource we’ve got to be concentrated on putting out the fire. It’s not a good situation when we are forced to divert our firefighting efforts to protect or save people who are in an unsafe location.”
IF A WILDFIRE DOES START NEAR YOU, HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
- Report the fire immediately using 911. Be prepared to give the exact location of the fire, approximate size, and anything that might be threatened in its path.
- Do not try to fight a wildfire unless trained to do so
- Parking along roads to watch a wildfire can interfere with firefighting efforts, especially if there is aircraft trying to drop retardant in the area or an evacuation is taking place. Also, firefighters often use roads and natural barriers to burn out ahead of the fire.
- Prepare your home now, before there’s smoke in the air. There are simple steps a homeowner can take that will greatly improve the home’s chances of survival during a wildfire. Creating a Survivable Space around your home will also give firefighters a safe area they need to defend your home.
Another potentially risky situation for the public and firefighters is when an evacuation occurs. In these situations, emergency vehicles are trying to get in while residents are trying to get out and emotions are high. The purpose of evacuation is to protect people from life-threatening situations. To avoid the confusion that usually goes with an evacuation it is best to be prepared. Some tips to plan ahead follow:
THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE EVACUATED.
INSIDE THE HOME:
· Evacuate all family members, as well as pets.
· Contact a friend or relative and relay your plans.
· Make sure family members are aware of the prearranged meeting place.
· Tune into a local radio station and listen for instructions.
· Place vehicles in the garage, have them pointing out, and roll up windows.
· Place valuable papers, medications, and mementos in the car.
· Close the garage door, but leave it unlocked. If applicable, disconnect the electric garage door opener so that the door can be opened manually.
· Wear only cotton or wool clothes. Proper attire includes long pants, long sleeved shirt or jacket, and boots.
· Close all exterior vents.
· Fill bathtubs, sinks, and other containers with water. Outside, do the same with garbage cans and buckets. Remember that the water heater and toilet tank are available sources of water.
· Close all exterior doors and windows.
· Close all interior doors.
· Open the fireplace damper, but place the screen over the hearth to prevent sparks and embers from entering the house.
· Leave a light on in each room.
· Remove lightweight and/or non-fire resistant curtains and other combustible materials from around windows.
· If available, close fire resistant drapes, shutters, or blinds. Attach pre-cut plywood panels to the exterior side of windows and glass doors.
· Turn off all pilot lights,
· Move overstuffed furniture (e.g., couches, easy chairs, etc.) to center of the room.
OUTSIDE THE HOME:
· Keep wood-shake or shingle roofs moist by spraying water. Do not waste water. Consider placing a lawn sprinkler on the roof if water pressure is adequate. Do not turn on until burning embers begin to fall on the roof.
· Prop a ladder against the house so firefighters have easy access to the roof.
· Make sure that all garden hoses are connected to faucets and attach a nozzle set on “spray.”
· Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage.
· Shut off propane at the tank or natural gas at the meter
· Continually check the roof and attic for embers, smoke or fire.
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