FIRE DANGER IN RURAL AREAS BRINGS CALL FOR CARE BY USDA

                                             Release No.0238.97
                                                               
                                  Jim Petterson, (202) 720-4623 
                                         jim.petterson@usda.gov
                                     Alan Polk, (202) 205-1134
 					  http://www.fs.fed.us  



FIRE DANGER IN RURAL AREAS BRINGS CALL FOR CARE BY USDA

     WASHINGTON, July 18, 1997--Because of  the potential for homes being
destroyed by wildfire during this fire season, Secretary Dan Glickman today 
urged people living in, and visiting, rural areas of the United States to be
extremely careful with fire.

     "Living near wildlands carries a special responsibility for each of us,"
Glickman said.  "Doing little things such as keeping grass, trees, and brush
cleared away from your home, not stacking firewood near the house, and keeping
the roof and gutter clean of leaves and needles can make a big difference."

     Numerous fires are occurring during this fire season in rural areas of
southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.  In one
of those fires, on the San Bernardino National Forest near Los Angeles, a
contracted helicopter pilot died on July 6 when his helicopter crashed while
fighting the fire.

     Glickman strongly encouraged residents in the southwestern United States
who live near wildlands to take special measures to protect their homes. 

     He noted that USDA's Forest Service assists state and local fire
management agencies in fighting fires in rural areas of the country.  This
often includes providing surplus trucks and equipment, fire training, and
technical expertise.

     In 1996, more than 750 homes--located on private property--were lost as
a result of wildfires. Of the more than 90,000 wildfires that burned last
year, more than 70,000 burned on state and private lands.  "This means people
who live near wildlands should take precautions to protect their property,"
said Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck.

     "Cooperation among federal and state agencies and private land owners is
the hallmark of an effective wildland fire program," he added.

     Mary Jo Lavin, director of Fire and Aviation Management with the Forest
Service in Washington, DC, said "Firefighter and public safety are always our
highest priority.  Even when every precaution is taken by firefighters, there
is always a risk.  People must do their part by not carelessly causing fires
and by taking measures to protect their families and property.  This will
reduce risk and save lives."

     
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     Information is available for homeowners on how to protect their homes
from wildfire.  For details, contact a local fire department, state forestry
agency, or a local Forest Service office. Information is also available on the
Web at http://www.firewise.org

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