The state of Washington has experienced 1,211 wildfires so far this year and 401 are confirmed to have been started by people, says the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), whose officials say hundreds of wildfires are still under investigation.
Beginning August 2, DNR banned all outdoor burning statewide. Some campfires may still be allowed in approved fire pits in designated state, county, municipal, or other campgrounds, reports King5.
They offered the following safety tips to prevent wildfires:
• Be sure recreation vehicles have operating spark arrestors
• Do not park vehicles in dry, grassy areas; residual heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass
• Know the current wildfire risk in your county or destination
• Note: It’s always illegal to light fireworks or use incendiary ammunition or exploding targets on DNR-protected lands
They also advise the following home landscaping tips during dry conditions:
• Work in the mornings or late evenings to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and postpone your work when the weather calls for low humidity or high wind
• Keep a water hose or bucket or fire extinguisher on hand
• Use a nylon or plastic weed whacker line instead of metal
• Be careful not to set a hot tool down on dry grass or leaves
• Allow power engines to cool before refueling, and make sure the hot exhaust is kept away from dry grasses, weeds, and shrubs – only use such equipment that’s in good repair and has spark arrestors installed, when applicable
• Stay home for an hour after finishing your work – this way you’ll be around to notice if anything begins to smolder and smoke
No need for arrest here, as man already spends millions each year on putting out forest fires. Albeit, just 1/3 is man made, according to the article.
My point was that the article should have made a comment that nature, in its natural order, causes the majority of forest fires. The whole undertone of, man is the key focus of the article, is not supported by the statistics referenced. That was my point. Hopefully I clarified that for the readers.
So, 2/3rds is caused by nature. God’s way of getting the natural order of things in order. Only when “man” does it, does it require criticism.
Seems, nature should be put on trial, if only 2/3rds of the time. But, putting “Nature is bad” doesn’t sell, so, man remains the primary bad guy.
Billy Bob — I don’t think “man’s” frequent carelessness is “the natural order of things.” Just sayin’. —Diane at RVtravel.com
You suggesting that we somehow arrest nature?