In April 2024 alone, India reported around 75000 forest fires with Odisha recording the worst numbers. While the nature of forest fires in India is not as serious as in countries like Australia and USA, it is still a matter of great concern. Preventing wildfires in hot summers of India is crucial to protect animals and ecosystems alike.
However, the question is how to stop wildfires in summer effectively so that we can save lives as well as the environment. In this blog, Helplocal – a platform to discover NGOs in India – will share 15 tips and ideas to help you successfully stop wildfires in summer.
Let’s get started!
Tips to Stop Wildfires in Summers
Summer is the time when the risk of wildfires in India increases due to dry conditions. Wildfire prevention methods are essential to ensure wildlands, and those who live in and around them are safe.
Here are some fire prevention tips and ideas to keep in mind during Indian summers:
Dispose Of Cigarettes Correctly
If you smoke, make sure you never throw cigarettes and smoking materials on the ground, especially if you are in the wilderness. Ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished before discarding them
Practice vehicle safety
If your region is prone to fires, it’s a good idea to carry a shovel, bucket, and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. Traveling to a region that has reported instances of wildfire in the recent past? Vehicle safety is more important for you!
Avoid fireworks
During celebrations, choosing safe alternatives to fireworks helps protect our communities and environment. Opt for dazzling light shows or virtual displays to reduce fire risks and noise pollution. Limit use of fireworks if you live near a forest region!
Build safe campfires
Building safe campfires is crucial for preserving nature and preventing accidents. Clear a space, use dry wood, and keep the fire small. Always have water nearby and fully extinguish before leaving. Responsible campfire practices ensure enjoyable outings without harm to the environment or wildlife.
Want to save lives during emergencies like wildfires and floods? Connect with disaster recovery NGOs in India
Be mindful of electric hazards
Being mindful of electric hazards is essential for safety. Use surge protectors, avoid overloading outlets, and inspect cords for damage. Keep water away from electrical appliances, and unplug when not in use. By staying vigilant, we can prevent wildfire accidents and ensure a safe environment at home and work.
Practice safe outdoor cooking
Safe outdoor cooking is essential to prevent harm while trekking or camping. Begin by choosing a flat, stable location, away from flammable materials. Inspect your grill or stove for leaks and cleanliness. Use long-handled lighters and never use accelerants like gasoline. By following these guidelines, you can minimize risks and focus on the fun of cooking and dining outdoors in India!
Have a Fire Extinguishing Solution
Reducing and removing the amount of oxygen available to the combustion is the best way to extinguish a fire. If you’re lighting a campfire or doing a burn, make sure to have a fire extinguisher or a full 5-gallon bucket of water available. This way, you’ll instantly have a solution should flames get out of control.
Use the No Burn Fire Option
If you can’t argue with the beauty of natural campfires, this is very important to protecting our forests. Consider using no-burn products like water candles, battery-powered candles, and flameless products. These products are not very popular in India but can be ordered online to make outdoor experiences safe and check wildfires.
Attend the fire until it is fully out
It is critical to stay with the fire and watch it until you know for sure that it is completely extinguished. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance if you have one or put some water on the fire to extinguish it. This is important to reduce instances of forest fires in India!
Create awareness
In India, the awareness around forest fires is very low. That’s why it makes sense to talk about wildfires before summer months arrive. Work with your friends to plan school visits and community meetings for building awareness around fire safety and best practices. Don’t forget to talk about forest fires on social media as well. Feel free to share this blog!
Check fire risk conditions
Before you leave your home, check the degree of risk for a wildfire in your region. A simple online search will inform you of regional fire risks and any outdoor burning regulations for the area you plan to visit. If you plan to build a campfire or launch fireworks in dry areas, always follow local fire restrictions, warnings, and evacuation orders issued by your provincial or municipal authorities.
Be a responsible smoker
If you’re walking through a forest region, we recommend not smoking on the go. When you must smoke outside in an at-risk region, be sure to fully extinguish your cigarette butt and take it with you. Do not let it sit on the forest floor since it can trigger a wildfire disaster.
Know your local regulations
Always follow your local regulations regarding burning and campfires. Some regions will have their own campfire bans or restrictions as well as permits for burn piles. These regulations are in place as a means of preventing forest fires. While they are less known in India, they do exist!
Check weather and drought conditions
Avoid any activities that involve fire or sparks when it’s hot, dry, and windy. If the conditions aren’t right, choose non-flammable options. Remember, conditions and local restrictions should guide your decision for any fire-related activity such as building a campfire, operating equipment, off-roading on dry grass, or burning debris.
Cars, tools, and other combustion engines
Vehicles often become the reason behind forest fires in India. So, don’t park your car in dry grass on a hot sunny day. Don’t allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation. Tractors, off-road vehicles, and equipment being used in wooded areas such as chainsaws must have spark arrestors.
Stop Wildfires in Indian Summers: Wrapup
Wildfires can be really damaging when they go out of control. A collective effort is required to ensure the stop of wildfires in India. Even if one person decides to do something about forest fires, it can have a great impact and save thousands of lives.
We recommend talking about wildfires and its risks on social media and also your offline circles to create awareness about this topic. India still needs to do a lot to check instances of wildfires which are increasing every year.
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