From a young age, we were taught by the rugged, yet friendly, Smokey The Bear about the dangers of wildfires. "Only you can prevent forest fires," he'd tell us. However, how can we prevent wildfires when we...don't know how to prevent wildfires?

Photo by: Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash
Photo by: Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash
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Did you know 9 out of 10 wildfires are reportedly caused by humans? That's both a huge statistic and hugely disappointing. Were we not listening to Smokey? When 90% of wildfires are caused by us, it really is on you to learn to prevent them because now we're seeing that many of them are, in fact, preventable. Whether you're just a happy camper, a trail enthusiast, or a public land professional you play a vital role in preventing these preventable wildfires and protecting our beloved natural resources.

Eric Coulter, BLM / DOI.gov
Photo by: Eric Coulter, BLM / DOI.gov
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Please share these tips to help prevent wildfires. In states like Idaho, California, Utah, Washington, and Oregon this information is incredibly important. We have the type of terrain that is very susceptible to wildfires. In these areas, you'll find lots of dry or dead grass, and that allows for sparks to turn to fires, and those fires easily spread in the dry hot conditions.

Here are 10 practical tips to prevent wildfires as recommended by the Department Of Interior.

Photo by: Ross Stone on Unsplash
Photo by: Ross Stone on Unsplash
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10 Tips To Prevent Wildfires

Smokey The Bear said it best, "only you can prevent wildfires." Well, it's a lot easier said than done, Smokey. Great name for a bear trying to warn us about fire hazards, by the way.

In order to prevent wildfires, you have to first know how they can be prevented. Here are 10 tips provided by the Department Of Interior that will help you in your every day life, so you can enjoy being outside, camping, and having bonfires without it turning into a problem.

Here are their 10 tips, along with some simplified explanations from me.

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman

Photo by: Issy Bailey on Unsplash
Photo by: Issy Bailey on Unsplash
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Put those practical pointers to use and prevent wildfires this summer. They've been a bigger problem than ever lately, especially in states like California. Hearing that 90% of these are caused by humans is concerning, but goes to show that with proper educating and training we can get the message out and you can prevent wildfires. Make Smokey proud.

Share this with your friends and family to help spread the word so the next time this report is done, we can lower the number of wildfires caused by humans. We have a long way to go, but it starts with progress. If we can see a 10% decrease in the next three years, I think that is a step in the right direction.

Photo by: DOI.gov
Photo by: DOI.gov
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Wildfires aren't the only thing to be concerned about this summer, however. Ticks are on the rise across the country. Here are tips on how you can save yourself (and your pets) from getting by a tick.

Tips To Prevent Ticks

You do not want to mess with ticks. Keep them as far away from you as possible. Now, that doesn't mean don't ever go outside! That would be ridiculous. Here are some tips to help prevent you from getting bit by a tick and risking Lyme Disease. Follow these Tick Tips to keep you, your loved ones, and your fur babies safe this summer!

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman

Photo by: Erik Karits on Unsplash
Photo by: Erik Karits on Unsplash
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Personally, there's nothing I'm more scared of than bees. Don't let bees and wasps ruin your summer. Here are helpful tips to avoid attracting bees and getting stung!

5 Tips To Avoid Wasps In Idaho This Summer

Don't let wasps ruin your summer! If you want them to leave you alone, you best follow these five tips.

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman

For more on gross bugs you'll find around here, keep scrolling.

Photo by: Erik Karits on Unsplash
Photo by: Erik Karits on Unsplash
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Some Native Idaho Bugs are Terrifying

After a leaf bug or Kadydid landed on my front door, I started getting curious about bugs native to Idaho. We've got some creepy ones that call the gem state home. 

Gallery Credit: Idaho Fish and Game

If you're interested in reading more about how you can prevent wildfires, check out this article by the Department of Interior.

 

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