
How to Recreate Responsibly
Wildfire Edition
As the weather becomes warmer and wildland vegetation, or fuels, begin to dry out, it is time to plan for wildfires. The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires. The national average of human-caused wildfires comprises 87% of all wildfire occurrences every year. Most of these fires can be prevented.
Here are some tips to help you #RecreateResponsibly and do your part for wildfire prevention and safety during the fire year.

Know Before You Go
Know how to prevent wildfires by properly using outdoor equipment, learning campfire safety, and choosing the right ammunition.
Plan And Prepare
Know what fire restrictions are in place at your destination, and check if campfires, barbecues, and flammables are allowed.
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Build An Inclusive Outdoors
People have different comfort levels with water. We can be safer together. When recreating with young children or in groups, designate a water watcher
Learn How to Respond
If someone else is in trouble, call 911 and get help. Don’t go in the water to help. To assist others: Reach, Throw, Don’t Go. If you are in trouble: Flip, Float, Relax


Respect Water
Water can be powerful. Always tell someone your plan when headed out solo. Obey posted safety signs. Learn to read water conditions and remain alert.
Make it Better
All water sources are connected, and are home to fish and other life.
Help protect our waters by leaving your environment cleaner than you found it.
Water is Life.

Access the full Water Safety Edition communications toolkit in English and Spanish.
Understanding outdoor wildfire safety...
Does the activity take place in, on or around water?
when “in” water
(intentional swimmers)
swimming, paddleboarding, rope-swings etc.
when “on” water
(potential swimmers)
rafting, kayaking, human & motor-powered boating/fishing
when “around” water
(un-intentional swimmers)
Shoreline and other activities near water: hiking, climbing, picnicking



Check out these resources to help keep ourselves, others, and our waters safe!
Learning to swim is the #1 water safety recommendation
Outdoor Afro's Swimmership applications are open till May 15th
Learn about TankProof's mission of helping everyone swim
Whitewater can be the most unpredictable and yet most heavily utilized waters
Check out these safety and #RecreateResponsibly resources from American Whitewater


For Resource Managers


For Program Operators

