You have the power to prevent wildfires

1. Ensure any fires are fully extinguished before leaving them. Drown the fire with water, stir embers with a shovel and check that ashes are cold to the touch.

2. Don’t park or drive a vehicle in dry grass. Auto parts like a catalytic converter can get hot enough to ignite dry vegetation.

3. Never toss lit cigarette butts into dry grass, as this is one of the most common causes of human-started wildfires.

4. Any outdoor burning should be monitored by an adult at all times.

5. Store flammable products like paint, gasoline and oil away from any ignition source.

6. Before starting a fire, be sure there are no hazards like high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation that can cause it to spread quickly.

7. Make and discuss a plan about what to do in the event of a wildfire so your family is prepared if an evacuation becomes necessary.

For more wildfire prevention tips, visit doi.gov/blog/10-tips-prevent-wildfires.

There were 1,827 wildfires affecting 38,525 acres of land in Alabama in 2022, according to the Alabama Forestry Commission. Most of the fires were caused by human activity, such as arson and debris burning.