Helping prevent fires in the Great Outdoors

The recent Cle Elum wildfire has brought my focus this week back to preventing wildfires. The word recent is misused in this instance.

A better word would be ongoing, because as of this writing, the fire is but 10 percent contained.

News reports also convey the destruction of 70 homes and hundreds of outbuildings...so far.

Although the investigation is incomplete and continuing, it is suspected to be caused by humans, perhaps at a construction site.

It is a downright dirty shame such an incident had to happen in the first place, but, darn, well, gee-whiz, let's get the fire out and get on with life. No disaster is pleasant, but fire seems so destructive.

This fire will be investigated, the reason discovered and the cause passed along to the public with the hope a fire beginning due to the same cause will never happen again.

Recently the prospect of hunting elk during August was discussed and the adventure seemed reasonably feasible in my mind. The daytime temperatures as well as the need to quickly remove the animal from the field were considered and such a hunt still seemed practical.

I consider myself a safe, practical and levelheaded outdoorsman and hunter, so the possibility of accidentally causing a fire has prompted nightmares. Driving across a field of tall dry grass is asking for a fire, so this would be avoided.

A shard of clear glass is capable of starting a fire, if the required tinder is available and the sun shines through the glass at the correct angle. Having glass start a fire after I have passed through the area would throw suspicion my way. I don't want even the slightest bit of mistrust cast in my direction.

The August hunt is off at this point. Perhaps sometime in September would be possible.

Camping

We are lucky to have several state parks and private campgrounds which I consider safe for August camping. Potholes State Park has long been a favorite and the abundant grass and plentiful trees would make for a pleasant experience; as pleasurable a camping trip as is possible in the heat of summer.

Sure I know people camp during the heat of the summer, but I would rather not. Westside people seem to relish in not only the sun, but the hot sun. My wife, Garnet, and I were camping next to three other couples from the Seattle area last year. They had lots of firewood and maintained a campfire during their three-day stay.

I made a comment about the constant campfire, especially during the heat of the afternoon. One of the campers said, "We have a fire even if the temperature is 100 degrees."

If a fire is allowed and you have the wood, go for it, but keep the fire low. There is no reason for a large, aggressive fire. A lazy, slow burning fire is most pleasant to me. We camped next to a couple this year who had a propane campfire with fake logs and all.

"I don't need to worry about wood, starting the fire or making sure the fire is out," he said.

Campfire safety

Here are a few safety tips when making the decision to build a campfire: Chose a safe location to build the fire. Make it at least 10 feet from trees and bushes. The fire pits at the state parks are surrounded by grass, which makes the fire very safe.

Wind and campfires don't mix. If a strong wind is blowing, don't build a fire. Make sure your tent is at least 15 feet from the campfire. Always make sure an adult is watching the fire and supervise children closely.

A shovel and a bucket of water should be located near the fire. A fire extinguisher would be a great tool also.

Extinguishing a campfire is another art acquired from a good mentor.

Two words are associated with the procedure; cold and dead. My procedure includes pouring buckets of water on it, stirring the resulting mud and then actually feeling the mud to make sure it is cold.

Remember we are talking about safety and fire prevention. If you camp during the summer, there most likely will be times when a campfire is not allowed.

Usually using a propane stove is allowed in such circumstances, but cooking with coals and briquettes is not.

There are times when hunting seasons are stopped when there is high fire danger. Sometimes it is better to not go into the Great Outdoors, especially if the possibility of starting a fire is high.