July is a month for camping trips and celebrating our nation’s independence. What do the two have in common? Fire. Unsafe campfire practices and fireworks can lead to wildfires, and those wildfires can cause power outages—or worse.
Along with endless other safety concerns, fires can damage electrical lines and equipment, causing major power problems. Even smoke and ash can cause a high-voltage transmission line to trip, leaving sections of the grid without power.
Summer dryness increases the chance of wildfires, but so do unsafe practices.
During Fourth of July celebrations, check for burn bans on the Texas A&M Forest Service website. Use only legal fireworks and sparklers, and use them on concrete or pavement away from grass or brush. Never let children handle fireworks.
When making a campfire, keep a bucket of water nearby to control a spreading fire. Make a firepit surrounded by rocks, not wood, and clear away leaves and other flammable materials that quickly spread flame. Never leave a campsite with a burning fire. Drench the fire with water to ensure the damp ashes cannot relight.