During the driest time of the year in several provinces of Ecuador, including the province of Santa Elena, large areas of dry and desert forests and scrub become ideal combustible material for the formation of forest fires.
With the fall of the rains in the winter season, a layer of plant material (for example grass) forms in these places that, as the months go by without water, dries out, forming a combustible "cushion" that with a small spark can start a forest fire, which, as has happened on some occasions, gets out of control and devastates large areas where, in addition, the lives of not only plant species but also animals and in some cases also human lives are lost.
With the fall of the rains in the winter season, a layer of plant material (for example grass) forms in these places that, as the months go by without water, dries out, forming a combustible "cushion" that with a small spark can start a forest fire, which, as has happened on some occasions, gets out of control and devastates large areas where, in addition, the lives of not only plant species but also animals and in some cases also human lives are lost.
This guide aims to help reduce the number of these incidents, always keeping in mind that PREVENTION IS IMPORTANT.
If you live in a forest fire danger zone or if we visit these places, with these ideas we can improve our actions in this regard:
- Find out about periods of maximum fire risk.
- Do not throw cigarette butts or lit matches on the ground (while walking or in moving vehicles, whether on the main road or on country roads).
- Avoid smoking while walking in the woods. If you cannot avoid smoking, you should be aware of where the ashes fall, where and how you put out your cigarette, and don't forget to take your cigarette butt with you.
- Keep the woods clean: put your waste in a garbage bag and throw it in a container or take it home.
- Do not light fires or cook: bring prepared food from home.
- If you live in a house near a mountain, keep the roof and surrounding area clean of leaves, dry branches, shrubs, herbaceous vegetation and rubbish.
- When you go out into the mountains, carry a mobile phone whenever possible, and take notes of the places you visit.
- Collaborates with the Fire Department or Civil Defense in the surveillance and prevention of forest fires.
- If you see someone ignoring these tips, warn them of the risk.
- If you see an abandoned campfire, put it out with plenty of water.
- Do not light bonfires anywhere, but only in authorized places.
- Never leave the fire alone, not even for a moment.
- Keep containers with water near the stove.
- Do not throw or leave waste in forests and camping sites, cans and glass can act as magnifying glasses and cause fires.
- Prepare the campfire area well before starting the fire: place rocks around the campfire, dig a hole inside so that the fire is slightly “sunk” into the ground, clear the area around the campfire of leaves and branches. If possible, build a wall or protection with rocks on the side where the wind is coming from.
- You should never make fire under trees.
- If you need to burn, you should do so on windless and humid days.
- The correct way to extinguish a campfire is with plenty of water, stirring the ashes to ensure they are completely extinguished. Water should also be poured on the stones of the fire pit and around the campfire, and the campfire site should be kept cold.
- If you are going to use local firewood, you should choose firewood that is fallen and dry, free of leaves.
- At the campfire you should try to keep the fire small.
- Spread this article easily with the share button in the bar below, and pass it on to your contacts so that the effect is multiplied.
Sources: e-mergencia.com Forum and Santa Elena Fire Department.
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