How to Prevent Wildfires – My 6 Useful Tips

Unless you happen to have been living under a rock for the last several years, chances are you’ll have noticed a distinct increase in the amounts of wildfires plaguing, not only the nation, but the planet in general. 

Wildfires are devastating to wildlife, ecosystems, natural habitats, human beings, and the environment as a whole. Earlier this year for example, devastating wildfires ripped through California, driven by unseasonably high temperatures and unusually strong winds for that time of year. These weather conditions were almost certainly caused as a result of climate change. 

What I find even more concerning, is the fact that almost 90% of all wildfires are caused as a result of human activity. As disheartening as this is, one thing I do find encouraging is the fact that this means that we have the power to prevent nearly 9 out of every 10 wildfires. 

Here’s a look at what you can do to help prevent devastating wildfires. 

Pay Attention to the Weather

As we saw earlier in 2025, adverse weather conditions can not only result in wildfires starting, but also spreading rapidly too. 

If the weather has been dry, sunny, and warm for a prolonged period of time, this means that grass, shrubs, and vegetation will be dry and flammable. This basically means that it could catch fire much easier, and spread quicker as a result. 

If you do find yourself out in the wild and you can see that the vegetation is dry, be extra vigilant. Don’t have BBQs or campfires if it’s been hot, dry, sunny, or windy for a prolonged period of time. In fact, avoid any activities which cause sparks or could pose a fire risk, especially if the weather hasn’t been on your side. 

Be Careful When Building Campfires

Camping during the summer is one of life’s little pleasures. I personally love to get outdoors amongst nature, and enjoy camping when I get the chance. 

Obviously, one of the best things about camping is building a campfire as the sun sets. As useful and mesmerizing as campfires are, they are unfortunately one of the leading causes of wildfires, especially in the height of summer.

If you are camping and build a campfire, make sure to pay close attention to where you build it, what you burn, how you manage it, and how you extinguish it before you leave. 

Try to choose flat, open surfaces away from flammable materials. Instead of dry grass for example, choose dirt or stone surfaces. If burning on dirt, dig down a few inches and remove any flammable debris such as grass, leaves, twigs, or roots. 

You should also never leave your fire unattended and be sure not to burn anything if it’s windy. All it takes is one sudden gust of wind catching an errant spark, and before you know it you’ve started a wildfire. 

Finally, before you leave, make sure you extinguish it properly. Douse it in water, mix it, douse it again, and then check it a short while later to make sure there’s no heat and no smoke. Remember, if there’s smoke, there’s fire. 

Don’t Throw Cigarette Butts Out of Windows!

This should be common sense, but just to be sure, I’m saying it anyways. If you do smoke cigarettes, never throw cigarette butts out of windows, into the brush, or anywhere else where they could start a fire. 

Before you discard your butts, make sure they’re fully extinguished. 

Never Use Fireworks Where They Could Start Fires

Fireworks are notoriously harmful to animals and eco-systems. Not only do the bangs and flashes scare and disorient animals, but they also pose very significant fire risks. 

If you’re out in the wilderness, or are located anywhere where fireworks could cause wildfires, don’t use them, it’s that simple. Check city, local, and state regulations and exercise a little commonsense before using fireworks. 

Carry Spare Fire and Safety Equipment

Whenever possible, try to pack firefighting and safety equipment so that you can tackle a wildfire should one break out. 

Fire extinguishers, fire blankets, shovels, axes, and extra water will all prove useful should you ever need to tackle a fire, or extinguish one before it has the chance to spread. If you’ve space in your vehicle or RV, be sure to pack them as you never know when you might need them. 

Dispose of Glass and Flammable Materials Correctly

Finally, whenever you dispose of glass or flammable materials, be sure to dispose of them safely and correctly. 

Glass for example, can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires in the wild, while high temperatures can cause aerosols and other flammable materials to combust. 

Whenever I dispose of glass or other flammable materials, I’m careful to dispose of them in the correct way. It takes no time at all, and it could literally save lives.