The National Forest Service shared these reminders about fire prevention in the wilderness:
If you are planning a hiking or camping trip in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, or the Gospel-Hump Wilderness please be especially cautious about actions that could cause a wildfire.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Always add water, stir it, and make sure all embers are out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!
Always use a campfire ring when building a campfire.
Recreational shooting? Take precautions! Never shoot into dry vegetation and always make sure you’re shooting in a safe location. Be aware that shooting of exploding targets are not allowed on National Forest System lands in the Intermountain Region and are banned in many areas.
Refrain from smoking in wooded, grassy or brushy areas. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished before leaving the area.
Fireworks are illegal on public lands: every forest, every campsite, every day. Never light fireworks in the woods.
Know before you go. Always check with your local Ranger Station prior to your trip to get the most up to date information on fire danger and fire restrictions for the area.
Ask yourself, once I’m in the wilderness how am I going to get updated information? We recommend that you talk to anyone that you see while on your hike, as those people may have updated information that could impact your trek through the wilderness.
It is best to preplan your route and share that information with people that are not on the hike with you. Having predetermined check-in points with reliable methods of communication are critical to let your friend and family know where you are should someone need to make contact with you.
If you encounter a wildfire while in the wilderness, steer clear as wildfires are very unpredictable and pose hazards that most people are not familiar with.
Be cautious out there! Should you start a wildfire, even if it’s by accident, you could be held liable for damages and firefighting costs. Should a fire start or you need to report a wildfire, it’s important to call 911 as soon as possible.
If you are recreating near an ongoing wildfire suppression operation, please keep your distance – don’t congregate in the area and allow the firefighters to do their job safely and efficiently. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors this summer but do your part to help prevent wildfires.