Last summer, my family and I had the immense pleasure of traveling through California during our travels. While we were certainly stunned by the extraordinary physical beauty that is CA, we were also equally stunned by how low the lakes and rivers were and how terribly dry the grasslands were.We even had to adjust our path because of a wildfire.Turns out Smokey was right all along!

For 72 years, Smokey Bear has been in our homes and in our schools reminding us that WE can and should prevent forest fires.

So as the summer winds down and school/Scout/family campouts start up, don't forget to ensure you leave the forest as you found it. Don't drop a match or leave a fire until it's cold!So you're saying, "yeah, yeah, yeah, Traci, we know this." But there are a lot of other ways to start fires that you might not know. The Ad Council, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), have launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) that aim to help prevent wildfires nationwide by increasing awareness about less commonly known fire starts.Did you know? A wildfire can start due to the following:• Metal chains hanging from a moving vehicle• Parking over tall, dry grass• Improperly extinguished fire pit• Dumping ashes from a BBQ/grill• Dying embers left in a campfireI can honestly say that even after 18 months of traveling with a travel trailer, I did not know about the chains or parking.And remember these tips, too.

• When camping, take care when using and fueling lanterns, stoves, and heaters. Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling. Avoid spilling flammable liquids and store fuel away from appliances.
• Do not discard cigarettes, matches, and smoking materials from moving vehicles, or anywhere on park grounds. Be certain to completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them.
• Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste. Avoid backyard burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water, and fire retardant nearby to keep fires in check. Remove all flammables from yard when burning.

 Remember that it's up to all of us to fight forest fires. Smokey needs you!