Wildfires can threaten public safety, destroy property, harm productive wildlife habitat, create nuisance smoke and much more. It’s in everyone’s interest to prevent wildfires from occurring. Human-caused wildfires are unfortunately common during summer, but doing your part to prevent wildfires can make a difference to reduce them.

During wildfire season, which typically lasts from summer through the first significant rain or snow during fall, consider foregoing a campfire, or be extremely cautious and follow these tips, rules and guidelines:

Know the fire restrictions: It can be a little tricky because you have to know who manages the land you’re using, but it’s the responsibility of the user to know if fire restrictions are in place and abide by them. During a hot, dry summer, fire restrictions are highly likely. Idaho Department of Lands has created a statewide map to show current fire restrictions.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for campers: During Stage 1 fire restrictions, campfires are only allowed within a designated recreation site, and within a fire structure provided by the administrative agency. During Stage 2 restrictions, no campfires, period.

Why are fire restrictions done locally rather than for the entire state? Local agencies follow established, statewide-approved guidelines for implementing fire restrictions in their geographic areas. The local decision-making approach is critical for determining the right place and the right time for fire restrictions.

Be prepared: If you’re going to have a campfire (where and when it’s allowed), have water and a shovel handy. Keep fires small and manageable, extinguish them completely before you go to bed, or leave your campsite. Make sure it is COLD before leaving the campsite. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

Do your part: If you see an unattended campfire, put it out or report it by calling 911.

Check for wildfire activity before you go: Some areas can be closed miles away from the actual fire, including roads and trails, so it’s best to know before you arrive and find your area closed. To see the current fire map for Idaho and beyond, go to inciweb.nwcg.gov. You can also get more fire information and maps on Fish and Game’s Fire Information webpage.

Have an egress plan: When asked to evacuate, do so immediately, and know alternative routes to get home.

If you’re planning a fall hunt, give yourself options: Hunts are rarely closed due to wildfires for the entire season, but be prepared to access your hunt area through different routes, or hunt later in the season to avoid fire closures.

If you’re an angler, avoid fire areas: There are lots of places fish in Idaho, so avoid areas near where there are active wildfires.