Every camper, hiker, and other kind of outdoor explorer in The Sierra should familiarize themselves with wildfire season. When is wildfire season, and how can you prepare? Truthfully, there are no set dates for wildfire season—it depends on where you are, the weather, and other conditions. Being aware of those conditions and knowing what to do if a fire breaks out ensures you remain safe while enjoying The Sierra Nevada. Here are a few more insights and tips for dealing with wildfires.
What Is Wildfire Season?
What is wildfire season is a better question than when. Wildfires occur throughout the United States, and the “season” varies depending on the region. Peak wildfire season in much of the United States, for example, might run from late spring to fall, with the potential for wildfires being highest in the middle of summer. However, wildfire season could happen all year round in warmer regions in the western and southwestern US. If conditions are dry, temperatures are high, and winds are strong, there’s a big potential for wildfires. Keep these conditions in mind when planning your visit to The Sierra.
How To Prepare for the Threat of Wildfires
Gather Information
Read the newspaper or visit news sites for updates on the potential for wildfires or current conflagrations. Visit national, state, and regional park and forest sites for current updates. They’ll provide wildfire warnings or alerts. In particular, visit the National Interagency Fire Center (NFIC) and Fire Weather and Avalanche Center (FWAC) websites for information on current conditions and what to do in case of emergencies. The Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offer apps that will send real-time alerts in case of danger.
Know the Area
It’s exciting to visit and explore a new natural area. Ensure you have some basic background information about the area, and know what you need to do in case of a fire. Research the possibility of wildfires in the area and determine if the agency in charge of the area has issued any restrictions or warnings (no campfires, for example). Bring a map of the area, and identify evacuation paths and routes. You don’t want to get lost in a blaze if your phone’s GPS capabilities suddenly go kaput!
Smart Packing
If you’re hiking, you’ll probably have all the tools and supplies you need for the few hours, days, or even weeks you plan to be on foot. Along with maps of the area, make sure you have the following:
- First aid kit
- Plenty of potable water
- Non-perishable food
- A flashlight
- A multi-tool
- A portable charger for your phone
- Fire-resistant gloves
- A fire blanket
- A mask to filter smoke
Better to be safe than trapped in a blaze without resources!
Improve Your Fire Safety Knowledge
Find out and follow all the rules and regulations of the area regarding fire safety. Explore only designated areas and use only approved equipment, such as fire pits. Keep your fire small and manageable, and ensure you have enough water to put it out twice when you’re done. During high-risk periods, rangers and other wildland personnel may monitor hikers and campers or prevent the use of campfires, so respect them and the rules they enforce. If you can, use a portable stove for cooking rather than a campfire.
Now you know when wildfire season occurs and how you can prepare. Take these tips with you to ensure you enjoy nature’s beauty in safety while protecting it for others.
