Hunters should exercise caution in burned areas

While fire season is winding down or over in most parts of the state, hunters still need to be vigilant of hazards associated with recently burned areas. Hunters are reminded that wildfires can still occur during fall, and they should always be careful with campfires, barbecues, motors (chainsaws, generators, ATVs), and other items that can cause fires. Hunters should make sure their campfires are completely out before they leave for their morning hunts or anytime they leave their camps. The Nez Perce/Clearwater National Forest provided these precautions for people traveling in recently burned areas: - Driving - Please drive slowly with your head lights on. Watch for fire vehicles and personnel, other traffic, and do not stop on the road. - Hazardous trees - Fire damaged trees can fall unexpectedly. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas with snags. - Debris - Watch for rolling rocks, logs, and other debris. Take a saw of some type (handsaw in Wilderness areas) for potentially clearing roads and trails. - Watch for ash pits - Ash pits are holes of hot or cold ashes, created by burned trees and stumps. Falling into ash pits can cause burns and/or lower leg injuries. - Flooding - The risk of floods remains significantly higher until burned vegetation can re-grow-up to five years after a wildfire. - Wilderness visitors - If you travel in the vicinity of a fire, be aware of rapid and unpredictable fire spread, rolling debris, falling snags and trees, and limited visibility. - Prepare: Plan your trip with the most current fire information and use trails that avoid the fire. Take a map and compass, and let others know your travel plans. Navigation skills are important in fire areas where trail signs may have burned and are no longer present or readable. - Watch: As you travel, look out for burned out trees and snags, unstable sections of the trail, rolling rocks. - Camp: Choose a safe place to camp. Look for areas away from the fire, in open areas out of the timber, away from falling/rolling hazards below cliffs and slopes. Insure that campfires are out before leaving the area. In addition, Forest Service fire personnel will be conducting fall prescribed burning which could last for several weeks depending on weather and fuel conditions. Signs will be posted on roads near all burn areas prior to and when burning is in progress, and fire personnel will attempt to contact people who might be hunting or recreating in an area before a planned ignition. Specific information is available by contacting the local ranger district.