Warning to Holiday Vacationers: Prevent Wildfires

American Forests
Monday, 2 July 2001

Officials at American Forests (americanforests.org) are reminding vacationers this July 4th to use caution and help prevent wildfires in national forests and other rural, fire-prone areas.

"In many of our nation's forests, especially in parts of the West and the Southeast, there are fires waiting to happen," said Deborah Gangloff, executive director of American Forests, the nation's oldest nonprofit conservation organization. "A continuing drought and build-up of brush have greatly increased the threat of large, environmentally destructive wildfires on millions of acres."

Dennis Pendleton, Forest Service Director of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, agrees. "There definitely is the potential for wildfire-related problems in July and August across much of the West," Pendleton said. "There was recent rainfall in parts of the West and Southeast, but not enough to make up for the very dry conditions that traditionally lead to high fire danger. People should not be complacent." Experts are predicting the threat of wildfire will remain high in western states through the end of September.

American Forests and other forestry experts are reminding holiday travelers to extinguish all campfires and to refrain from throwing lit cigarettes out of car windows. Also, travelers should know what the local rules are regarding campfires. And, of course, always be careful if sparklers or fireworks are part of your July 4th celebration. The bottom line: Have fun, but practice safety.

Last year, more than 7 million acres were scorched by wildfire and nearly a billion trees destroyed, making 2000 one of the worst fire seasons of the past 100 years. This year could be as bad, or worse. So far, wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres across the United States since the year began. Over 400,000 acres have been scorched in Florida alone.

Specialty retailer Eddie Bauer is taking the lead role in helping to reforest areas scorched by the massive wildfires of recent years. Through July 14th, Eddie Bauer associates in over 550 stores across North America are asking customers to help raise $1 million for Wildfire ReLeaf, the large-scale reforestation initiative by American Forests. Through Eddie Bauer's "Add a dollar, Plant a tree" program, customers can add $1 to their in-store purchase, which plants one tree in a wildfire ecosystem restoration project. Customers can also "Add a dollar, Plant a tree" online at www.eddiebauer.com and through the catalog service at 1-800-426-8020.

For more information, or to contact American Forests, see their website at: www.americanforests.org