Wildfire Season: Preventing Wildfires on Georgia Roadways

Author: Seth Hawkins, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator, Georgia Forestry Commission

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If you noticed more smoke than usual along Georgia’s roads this past spring, you weren’t imagining it. The state experienced one of its most active wildfire seasons in recent memory, driven by a combination of low humidity, dry weather, and fast-drying vegetation. While activity has slowed somewhat in recent weeks, conditions remain unpredictable and even small sparks can have big consequences near our roadways. That’s why wildfire prevention and roadway awareness remain critical for keeping motorists and first responders safe.

With extremely dry weather and unusually low humidities in March, the Georgia Forestry Commission and local fire departments responded to hundreds of wildfires across Georgia. Blazes burned from the mountains to river bottoms, neighborhoods, and along roadways. Since March, we have experienced less fire activity across the state, but conditions are still unstable. Intermittently lower humidity and fast-drying vegetative fuels can rapidly increase wildfire risk, making wildfire prevention paramount as conditions dry

WildfireSeason1out in early summer.​According to the Georgia Forestry Commission nine out of 10 wildfires in Georgia are started by activities such as debris or brush burning.In times of extreme dry weather and low humidity, driving down the road without taking proper precautions can increase the risk for roadside wildfires.

Roadside wildfires can present additional obstacles for firefighters, such as traffic, gaining access in wildfire response vehicles, non-vegetative combustible fuels, and proximity to homes or structures.

With some simple preparation we can all help prevent roadside wildfires from starting in the first place.

As a motorist, you can help prevent roadside wildfires from starting by doing the following:

Check tire pressure
It’s is always good practice, no matter the wildfire risk, to check tire pressure before a road trip, especially w​hen hauling something. Blown tires and sparks from wheels grinding are common ways roadside wildfires start.

Be aware of objects under your ​car
Don’t allow objects such as trailer chains or exhaust pipes to drag around or underneath your vehicle unsecured while driving. One spark from the metal is all it takes for a wildfire to start on the road.​ ​

Parking in high grass areas
When pulling over, try to stay on paved service areas along the roadways. Parking in high grass can​ cause your exhaust system to catch vegetation on fire.

​Don’t litter
Never toss any smoke products, flammable items, or litter onto roadsides, even if they appear to be no longer lit, and seemingly harmless. Keep items in your car until you can properly dispose of them in a trash can.

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​Take any of these potential wildfire starters, add some high or gusty winds, and a roadside wildfire could start, resulting in immediate risk to those traveling by including communities located downwind from wildfire. Embers from an existing fire can travel over a mile before landing and sparking a wildfire or igniting structures The best way to fight wildfires is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
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If you encounter a wildfire while driving, safety should be your top priority. Here are some tips to stay safe:

  1. Stay in the car and keep windows and doors shut : Your vehicle can act as a temporary shield from smoke and heat. Keeping it sealed helps prevent smoke inhalation and exposure to flames.
  2. Leave the area, especially if it’s safe – If you have a clear path, drive away from the fire in the opposite direction. Do not try to outrun a fast-moving fire, but do evacuate if it’s safe to do so.
  3. Stay visible using headlights and high beams – Smoke can severely limit visibility. Turning on your lights increases the chances of being seen by other drivers and emergency responders.
  4. Stay calm – Keeping a clear head helps you make better decisions and avoid panic that could impact the safety of you and others.
  5. Call 911 or 511 – When you use 911 or 511 to report a wildfire, operators will send emergency assistance to put out the fire, help you, and keep others in the area safe.

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WildfireSeason3Wildfire prevention goes beyond being on the road and extends to your home and property. Checking the weather for high winds and low humidity is one of the first ways to prevent wildfires. Over half of wildfires in Georgia are started by people, most often when burning backyard debris which can cause embers to fly and start a fire. The Georgia Forestry Commission has some great resources on wildfire and backyard debris burning at https://gatrees.org/fire-prevention-suppression/wildfire-prevention/​.

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Original Blog posted by GDOT and can be view here: Wildfire Season: Preventing Wildfires on Georgia Roadways