Wild Land Fires

Brett RawdonUniversity of Central Oklahoma

Mr. Dean Findley-InstructorSpring 2009

Wild Land fires are one of the worst natural disasters

all across the world!

A Wild Land Fire is quickly approaching!

What would you do if you were the policeman?

Wild Land Fires are a threat,to Property & Life!

Do they have a safety evacuation plan? Will they escape?

•Potential damage from Wild Land Fires1.Impacts jobs & lifestyles2.Destroys homes & campgrounds3.Damages property 4.Harms the natural environment5.Causes land erosion6.Pollutes air with toxic gases7.Promotes drought & diseases

Wild Land FiresWild land fires are common everywhere man exists

*Note the Picture is an aerial view from a satellite of Wild Land Fires, See the Smoke!

A picture is worth a thousand words-a destroyed home

                                          

   

Recipe for disaster• Hot dry summers & strong winds

• Increased population-associated with increased numbers of wild land fires

•Electrical storms-multiple lightening strikes

•Careless public-irresponsible cigarette disposal and campfire management

Wildfire Tips • Contact your local fire department, health department, or forestry office for information on fire laws.• Ensure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address. • Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire. • Teach children about fire safety. • Post fire emergency telephone numbers.• Plan several escape routes away from your home – by car and by foot. • Make a list of your neighbors' skills. such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs such as elderly or disabled persons. • Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can't get home.

Wild Land Fires Fire Prevention - The Key to stopping Wild Land Fires!

How is fire prevention accomplished?1. Forest Service Fire Campaigns2. Reduce hazardous fuels on federal lands 3. Restore land health in fire prone areas4. Educate communities regarding fire Protection and prevention

Wild Land Fire Protection•The fire professional must protect their person fromthe hazards of smoke inhalation and heat exposure by wearing protective clothing and respirators.

•Fire Safety Professionals should engage the use of spark arrestors when indicated and identify and eliminate conditions that have the potential to result in wild land fires.

•Know if one is in a fire prone area

• Decrease the risk of home damage by planting fire-resistant shrubs around the home and by having a garden hose capable of extending the perimeter of the home

•Written instructions on how to turn the power off to the home

• A disaster kit should be available for home care, consisting of a first-aid kit, canned food with openings, bottled water, battery operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and protective clothing

Wild Land Fire Safety PlanA Disaster Plan is a Must!

An example of a well executed fire evacuation plan in action, as the

ranchers lead their horses to safety!

The EndThank you!

Q & ABrett Rawdon

University of Central Oklahoma