As Fire Season Peaks, Be Fire Wise Campaign Educates Visitors and Residents to Help Prevent Wildfires

Oakhurst, CA – 7/29/26 – With wildfire season now underway and expected to continue through October or November, officials in California’s Southern Sierra region are urging residents and visitors alike to take personal responsibility in protecting communities, public lands, and iconic destinations like Yosemite National Park.

The Be Fire Wise campaign, led by regional partners in fire prevention, tourism, and public safety, offers essential guidance through an easily accessible website: www.BeFirewise.org. The site features short videos, educational blog posts, and practical tips for preventing wildfires while staying and recreating in forests, parks, and rural communities.

“It only takes one spark to start a devastating wildfire,” said Rhonda Salisbury, CEO for Visit Yosemite | Madera County. “Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply driving through, we need everyone to be fire-wise. It’s not just about safety; it’s about preserving these beautiful places for generations to come.”

The Be Fire Wise campaign encourages simple but critical actions, including:

• Never leave campfires unattended; build fires only in approved areas, and extinguish them completely before leaving. 

• Avoid parking on dry grass, which can ignite easily when a hot exhaust pipe is nearby.

• Secure chains properly when towing trailers; bouncing chains can spark nearby vegetation.

• No fireworks or open flames in prohibited areas.

• Properly dispose of cigarettes and trash.

• Stay up to date on local fire restrictions and Red Flag Warnings.
  
  

With fire danger heightened by dry vegetation, windy conditions, and increased visitation in the Sierra Nevada, personal awareness and prevention are more important than ever. The campaign is especially relevant for visitors traveling through Yosemite’s Southern Gateway, where towns like Oakhurst, Coarsegold, North Fork, and Bass Lake are surrounded by fire-prone landscapes.

This campaign partnership utilizes educational videos featuring beloved local mascots to promote fire prevention in the Sierra Nevada mountains across recreational, vacation, and residential settings. Humans are responsible for 90% of wildfires in the United States, causing community devastation and the unnecessary burning of natural areas. 

Tourism partners, lodging providers, and local businesses are encouraged to share BeFirewise.org with their guests and employees to help spread wildfire awareness through digital signage, newsletters, and front-desk conversations. Following these Be Fire Wise guidelines and tips can drastically reduce the number of human-caused wildfires. 

For more information and access to free wildfire prevention resources, visit www.befirewise.org.