Fire Safety

 

Human vs. Lightning Caused Wildfires
Fire safety is an important idea to keep in mind both when visiting the park and at your home. The majority of wildfires are human caused. The graphs below were produced using statistics from the National Interagency Fire Center. The Southern Geographic Area is comprised of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and Puerto Rico. The first graph shows the number of wildfires started by lightning compared to the number of wildfires started by humans by year from 2001-2022 in the Southern Geographic Area. The second graph shows the number of wildfires started by lightning compared to the number of wildfires started by humans by year from 2001-2022 in the entire United States. Both graphs reveal there are significantly more wildfires started by humans than by lightning each year.

 

Graph showing the reported number of fires started by lightning vs. humans in the Southern geographic area from 2001 to 2022. Humans started thousands of more fires every year compared to lightning.

Information courtesy of National Interagency Fire Center.

 

This graph shows the total number of wildfires caused by humans and lightning in the United State from 2001 to 2022. Humans started tens of thousands more fires than lightning every year.

Information courtesy of National Interagency Fire Center.

 

Below are some park regulations regarding fire and some important reminders. You can also learn how to be Firewise and protect yourself and your property.

In the Park

• Fireworks and the usage of them are not allowed inside the park at any time and are strictly prohibited.

• Cigarette butts are to be properly disposed of and not discarded on park grounds. This is considered littering and is a fire hazard.

• When camping in the park, especially in the remote campsites, make sure to park on pavement, or if pavement is not available, in short grass as this limits the risk that your vehicle may start a fire.

• Fires are allowed at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in specific locations and under certain conditions.

  • Fires are allowed at NPS provided firepits, fire rings and grills located at the ten campsites throughout the park. Personal fire rings are allowed that are 2” off the ground.

  • Fires are never allowed in the backcountry or away from designated campsites.

  • The moving of park provided fire pits, creation of stone fire rings, or digging earthen firepits is strictly prohibited. This increases the wildfire risk and stones can damage mowing equipment.

  • Burning of fuel with metal (ex: wooden pallets) is prohibited unless the metal parts (screws, nails, staples, etc.) are removed prior to burning. Burning of trash or other hazardous material is prohibited.

  • Gathering of firewood from the ground, such as dead branches, sticks, etc. is allowed.

  • Cutting or removing any portion of a tree or shrub is not allowed.

• During a burn ban designated by the park, no fires of any kind are allowed.

• No fires are allowed in the backcountry. Only a camp stove is allowed.
  

When you make a campfire at the park make sure that you:

• Always attend the fire, never leave it unattended.

• Keep water nearby to extinguish the fire.

• Keep an eye on the size of the fire, wind direction, and wind speed as these can increase the risk of a wildfire. Also keep in mind that low humidity, limited rainfall, and droughts are common in the region and greatly increase the wildfire risk.

• If a campfire spreads beyond its designated area call 911!

• When no longer in use, make sure to fully extinguish the campfire. Unextinguished fires can cause hidden embers to be carried away and start a fire unexpectedly.

• When the park is in a burn ban, no fires of any kind are allowed.

• If you are hauling a trailer, boat, or offroad vehicle, make sure that any straps, chains, or other items are properly secured. Dragging chains is one of the major causes of fire in our area and can be easily prevented.
• If you start to have vehicle issues attempt to park on a paved area. If this is not possible then park in an area with short grass. Heat from your car can create a fire, and parking in grass or tall grass greatly increases the risk of a fire starting.

At Home:
Although large fires or evacuations are rare in the Texas Panhandle, they do happen, and being prepared for a wildfire can save your life.

• Make a Plan: Discussing with your family where you will meet, where you will go, and what you will bring (Important documents, medicine, necessary items) is an important way to save time and be prepared in case of an evacuation notice. If you have infants/young children or own pets, make sure to plan with them in mind. Plan what you want to take ahead of time to make any potential evacuation easier on you and your family.

• Notify friends or family: Should you receive an evacuation notice, make sure people close to you know where you are going.

Learn to be Firewise: Firewise is a way to prepare your house and your family for wildfires. Learn how to be Firewise. Being prepared for fire risks takes thought and preparation, but it can save your life, the lives of your loved ones, and your property and home. Keep these regulations and tips in mind to keep yourself safe.

Data Source for Graphs: National Interagency Fire Center. www.nifc.gov