Every year in the United States there are over 100,000 wildfires that damage approximately 5 million acres of land. In the first nine months of 2015, over 8 million acres have already burned.
This is 200% higher compared to the same months in 2014. *iii.org. As of September this year, large fires continue to thrive in Idaho, Montana, and Washington.
You may not live in an area known for wildfire outbreaks, but these hazardous fires can occur anywhere at any time. Did you know that “90% of all wildfires are started by humans?”
Do Something and Be Aware
Wildfires can start by:
Matches
Cigarettes
Campfires
Sparks from a vehicle,
Power lines
Arson
On top of human causes, wildfires can also be caused by nature:
Lightning
Dry Heat
High Winds
Humidity
Sunshine
Once the fire becomes significantly larger, it can then create its own weather, which increases oxygen flow and enhances the flames. Larger fires have the potential to “generate hurricane-force winds, up to 120mph.” *CNN.
Remember that September is National Preparedness Month. It’s always better to be prepared beforehand than sorry afterward.
For Wildfire Safety Tips, check out our recent blog post
Would you like to help Firefighters in your area? Over 4 million people have signed up for “Fight Fire with Cookies” and baked cookies to say thanks to their community firemen and women. Sign-up here: https://www.dosomething.org/campaigns/fight-fire-cookies
If you encounter property damage caused by fire, don’t hesitate to Call Paul! We have nearly 400 Paul Davis offices throughout the US and Canada.
Useful Resources:
http://www.ready.gov/wildfires
https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-wildfires
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/21/us/wildfires-fast-facts/
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/wildfires/