Wildfires
Did you know there are over 140,000 wildfires a year in the U.S.? The consequences of wildfires have significant impacts on fish and their habitats due to changes in water quality and water flow. Forest fires cause an increase in flooding because the vegetation that once slowed the runoff is now gone. They also result in poor water quality for fish because the chemicals used in fighting the fire may be carried into streams and rivers, polluting the watershed.
Viewer Tip: More than four out of every five wildfires is caused by humans. Trout Unlimited suggests using these safety tips to prevent wildfires.
- Trim away tree limbs that are less than 15 feet above the ground.
- Prune shrubbery and tree branches that are within 15 feet of stove pipes and chimneys.
- Gather up dead leaves and branches on a regular basis.
- Store firewood at least 100 feet away from the house. If living on a hill, stow the firewood on the uphill slope.
This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.tu.org.
