A Fire Watch volunteer educates hikers on wildfire danger.
Independence Day is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy the warm summer weather, along with holiday festivities like BBQ’s, outdoor activities and dazzling fireworks shows. While celebrating this holiday weekend, we encourage you to take proper safety precautions, helping to protect Orange County’s native wildlands and communities from potential wildfire ignitions.
With little rain this year and high temperatures drying out plants, it’s important to understand that even the smallest spark can start a devastating fire. Everyday items like charcoal barbeques and backyard fire pits should be watched carefully and never be left unattended. Be sure to remove any dry brush or low-hanging branches near the area and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Always pay attention to any wind that might blow ashes out of your yard and do not light an open flame if gusts are too strong.
With little rain this year and high temperatures drying out plants, it’s important to understand that even the smallest spark can start a devastating fire. Everyday items like charcoal barbeques and backyard fire pits should be watched carefully and never be left unattended. Be sure to remove any dry brush or low-hanging branches near the area and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Always pay attention to any wind that might blow ashes out of your yard and do not light an open flame if gusts are too strong.
Fireworks are a popular activity during the 4th of July holiday, but can also create dangerous fire hazards, not only to surrounding habitats, but to homes, people, pets and more. Human-caused wildfires are one of the most common types of wildfires and even the smallest firework can be a threat to local wildlands. Fireworks are prohibited at all state and county parks, county harbors, state, county and city beaches, unincorporated areas of Orange County, and the Cleveland National Forest. Even a simple hand-held sparkler can be just as dangerous as larger fireworks, as they can exceed temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional information about firework safety can be found on the OCFA website. As a safe, fun alternative to lighting personal fireworks, check out this list of local fireworks displays in your area at ocfa.org/FourthOfJuly.
In addition to practicing proper fire safety, please remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones if your 4th of July weekend includes any outdoor activities. Warm summer weather provides the perfect setting for a hike on one of the many 7-day access trails across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but always remember to pack enough water, snacks and use appropriate sun protection to avoid any heat-related illnesses. More information about enjoying the outdoors and preventing heat-related illnesses can be found at this link.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners will do their part this 4th of July weekend. Every year, Orange County Fire Watch conducts its largest deployment during the 4th of July weekend due to the increased risk of wildfire. Program volunteers will be stationed at five locations throughout Orange County that are historically prone to wildfires, keeping an eye out for wildfire danger and any patrons who are in need of medical attention.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy wishes you a happy and safe 4th of July! No matter how you celebrate, always stay alert and report any sign of fire by calling 911 immediately. We can all do our part in keeping native wildlands and communities safe. To learn more about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit LetsGoOutside.org.
In addition to practicing proper fire safety, please remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones if your 4th of July weekend includes any outdoor activities. Warm summer weather provides the perfect setting for a hike on one of the many 7-day access trails across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but always remember to pack enough water, snacks and use appropriate sun protection to avoid any heat-related illnesses. More information about enjoying the outdoors and preventing heat-related illnesses can be found at this link.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners will do their part this 4th of July weekend. Every year, Orange County Fire Watch conducts its largest deployment during the 4th of July weekend due to the increased risk of wildfire. Program volunteers will be stationed at five locations throughout Orange County that are historically prone to wildfires, keeping an eye out for wildfire danger and any patrons who are in need of medical attention.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy wishes you a happy and safe 4th of July! No matter how you celebrate, always stay alert and report any sign of fire by calling 911 immediately. We can all do our part in keeping native wildlands and communities safe. To learn more about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit LetsGoOutside.org.
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