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Recreational Preparedness

FIRE PREVENTION FOR: RECREATIONAL USERS ...BECAUSE FIRE SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY

PROTECT YOUR FAVORITE PLACES

As an outdoor recreationalist you enjoy the native landscapes that make Fallbrook a unique part of the Southern California landscape. Protect your favorite places by being fire-safe.

1. Be cautious, and be aware of your surroundings, when you do anything that involves fire and sparks.
2. Fire pits, BBQ grills, cigarettes, and kerosene lamps are some obvious examples. Motorcycles, ATVs, and even cars can also cause fires.
3. Know who to call and where to go if there is a fire.

FIRE SAFETY IS A YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITY

Because the weather is not always predictable and rainfall is notoriously low in Southern California, fires can happen year-round. Every season is a burn season.

DON'T BE A FIRE RISK

If you're outdoors use care when participating in activities that involve incendiary devices. Fire safety is everyone's responsibility.

SAFE OUTDOOR FIRE PRACTICES

Whether you go off-roading, use firearms, or just like to barbeque in your backyard, fire safety is always important:

1. Backyard items such as tiki torches, citronella candles, outdoor ovens, and barbeques should be placed on paved surfaces, or ground that has been cleared to bare mineral earth in a 30' perimeter. Never place these items under low-hanging trees or bushes or wherever sparks may fly.
2. Off-road vehicles must be equipped with an U. S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor. Contact local U.S. Forest Services for more information
3. Fireworks such as sparklers, poppers, and snakes should be ignited only on paved surfaces or ground that has been cleared to bare mineral earth in a 30' perimeter. Never ignite these items under low-hanging trees or bushes or wherever sparks may fly.
4. Firearms should only be used in designated areas
5. Smoking outdoors should be done with care. All cigarette butts and matches should be completely extinguished and removed from the area.
6. Model rockets can be launched only with a permit at an approved launch site. Contact the North County Fire Protection District for permit information: (760) 723-2005
7. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, weed-whackers, and other gas-powered landscaping equipment should have approved mufflers and spark arrestors.

WHEN AND WHERE THESE ACTIVITIES ARE APPROPRIATE

1. Check the weather before conducting any of the aforementioned activities. Fire risk changes from day-to-day, so check conditions on the day you wish to conduct your activity. Find out the current day's fire danger by visiting the www.wildfirealert.org home page.
2. Evaluate the site where you wish to conduct your activity. If vegetation or other fire fuels are present, consider another location for your activity.
3. Certain months during the late spring/ summer/early fall are labeled as "burn season" months. This is a time of year when most vegetation is at its driest and temperatures and winds are high. These months may not be appropriate times for many of the aforementioned activities. Use extra caution outdoors during these months.

YOUR PLAN

Should a fire occur, make sure you are prepared.

1. Have an evacuation plan that is communicated to everyone present and participating in the recreational activities.
2. When appropriate have a fire extinguisher or a reliable water source available.
3. If you see smoke and are unsure if it is a controlled burn or not, please call:
   (760) 723-2000

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on other fire-safety topics, please visit our www.wildfirealert.org homepage.