As landscapes begin to dry and the potential for wildfires increases, now is the time to teach kids about wildfire safety. When they understand that fire precautions are important, they’ll have the knowledge they need to respond in the event of a wildfire near their home or school.
Unless kids grow up camping or are involved in a scouting group, chances are they don’t know much about wildfire prevention. Kids need to learn that wildfires can be started in ways other than an unattended campfire.
According to the National Park Service, 85% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by humans. These can start with campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, equipment malfunctions, carelessly discarded cigarettes, or even intentional acts of arson.
Wildfires threaten people, homes, and natural resources. They know no boundaries.
Wildfires need three things to thrive: a fuel source, oxygen, and a heat source.
When the ground, trees, and vegetation become dry, they become a good fuel source. If wind speed is high, it provides just enough oxygen to influence a wildfire. Fuel sources could include everything from a spark from an outdoor cooking grill, a lightning strike, or even the sun.
Parents and Teachers
When looking for material to help educate your kids, Smokey Bear is the best source.
Smokey Bear is turning 80 and has a quick birthday message here. He has been an icon for 80 years, teaching us about wildfire prevention and reminding us that “only you can prevent wildfires.” Through this video, he and his friends explain that most wildfires are started by humans. It offers kid-friendly tips about wildfire prevention.
Smokeybear.com offers a curriculum for elementary and middle school educators, as well as a site dedicated just to kids using interactive games and activities.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers an interactive website that teaches elementary-age kids about fire safety through their icon, Sparky, a Dalmatian.
Easy Science for Kids offers these facts about wildfires for kids:
- Though most wildfires are caused by humans, some fires are caused by nature.
- Wildfires can destroy homes and buildings and even kill people.
- In some ways, wildfires are good, though. They clear dead and diseased plants so new plants can grow.
- Firefighters sometimes fight wildfires from planes or helicopters. They drop water or fire-retardant chemicals on or near the fire.
- Firefighters also fight wildfires by cutting back brush and grass.
Ready.gov has a ready kids site geared toward kids, teens, families, and educators that teaches how to prepare for any natural disaster. It has a flexible curriculum for educators, that can be plugged into a flexible lesson plan. Specific wildfire preparation can be found here.
Through these lessons, children can be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent wildfires and can grow into responsible stewards of our natural resources.