Heed Smokey: Help prevent forest fires

It shouldn’t be difficult to get people’s attention regarding the dangers of fire outdoors, considering news in recent years of deadly wildfires in some parts of the country along with plenty of stubborn, costly brush fires in this region.

Yet as with so many other issues involving hazardous activities, too many people have an unfortunate habit of believing they know what they’re doing and that nothing bad is likely to happen on their watch, even if they aren’t following the proper safety precautions.

So it’s fortunate that this summer has presented several opportunities to draw attention to the issue of outdoor fire safety without having to report on a tragedy.

Much of this has to do with this year’s 75th anniversary of Smokey Bear’s use as a symbol in the prevention of forest fires.

Laast weekend, for example, people gathered on Mount Penn outside Reading in Berks County to celebrate Smokey Bear’s milestone as well as the 80th anniversary of the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower on Skyline Drive in Lower Alsace Township.

Pagoda-Skyline Inc. volunteers and the Berks area forest fire wardens jointly hosted the event, which included fire safety demonstrations, displays, brush trucks and kids’ activities.

There’s a natural connection between the two observances, as the 120-foot-tall tower was built in 1939 as a fire observation tower and tourist attraction. And it’s an appropriate spot to raise the issue because Mount Penn has suffered quite a few fires over the years.

Smokey Bear also was the centerpiece of a recent gathering at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, where state officials announced the awarding of wildfire-fighting grants to volunteer fire companies throughout the state.

It’s only appropriate to link the symbol of the fight against forest fires to efforts to support the people who must act when there’s a fire emergency in the woods or anyplace else.

But of course the core of Smokey Bear’s message is for ordinary individuals to be vigilant in preventing forest fires. When the campaign began in 1944, it was deemed necessary due to the lack of manpower available to fight fires on the home front during World War II. Yet the message has endured, even if people don’t always seem to take it to heart.

It’s not just campfires in the woods that are a concern. Seemingly harmless recreational fires set in people’s backyards can turn disastrous if people aren’t careful.

Fire Marshal Richard D. Gerhart Jr., who serves Mount Penn and Lower Alsace Township, devotes considerable energy to bringing these dangers to people’s attention. For example, many might not realize that many communities require permits for use of backyard fire pits. Gerhart said homeowners requesting permits receive plenty of information about required safety measures.

Residents who are planning to put a fire pit or chimenea in their backyard should check with their municipality regarding regulations.

There’s a good reason for concern. At least 5,300 injuries related to fire pits or outdoor heaters were treated at emergency rooms in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. That’s nearly triple the 1,900 injuries reported in 2008.

Improperly disposal of ashes from a patio fire pit caused an estimated $1 million damage to a ky] home and surrounding property on June 15, fire officials said.

Troy Hatt, fire marshal for Spring Township and Wyomissing, said he’s seen several structure fires related to backyard fires in the past 11 years. He noted that fire rings must be placed 25 feet from buildings and combustibles, and that some properties lack adequate space for a recreational fire.

So make sure a fire pit is permitted in your location before attempting to use one. Have a water hose or working fire extinguisher ready and learn how to use it properly. Leave partially burned logs in the fire pit. And when disposing of ashes, put them in a metal container with a lid. Place it away from combustible materials.

With some sensible precautions, summer fires should produce only happy memories, not tragic ones.