Wildfire Prevention Starts Before the First Spark: How Communities Can Help Protect Firefighters This Fourth of July
Wednesday, July 01, 2026
In this article, you'll learn:
Why wildfire prevention is especially important during the Fourth of July holiday.
What new research reveals about the increasing risks facing wildland firefighters.
How simple choices can help reduce wildfire risk and protect communities.
Steps everyone can take to prevent burn injuries and support firefighter safety.
Wildfire prevention starts with all of us.
As communities across the United States prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the American Burn Association (ABA) encourages everyone to help prevent wildfires by making safe, responsible choices.
Wildfire prevention means reducing the risk of fires before they start. During periods of hot, dry, and windy weather, a single spark from fireworks or other outdoor activities can quickly grow into a wildfire, placing firefighters, emergency responders, burn centers, families, and entire communities at risk.
The recent loss of three wildland firefighters in Colorado serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers these professionals face every day. As communities gather this holiday, following local fire restrictions and practicing fireworks safety can help reduce preventable fires and support those who work to protect lives and property.
Why is wildfire prevention important during the Fourth of July?
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for burn injuries and fire-related emergencies.
While fireworks are a longstanding holiday tradition, they can quickly ignite dry vegetation when weather conditions are favorable for wildfire. Even a small spark can spread rapidly, particularly in areas experiencing drought, high temperatures, or strong winds.
To help reduce risk:
Follow all local fire restrictions and burn bans.
Attend professional fireworks displays whenever possible.
Never use fireworks in dry grass, brush, or wooded areas.
Keep children away from fireworks and sparklers.
Follow guidance from local fire officials and emergency management agencies.
Every preventable fire avoided helps protect firefighters, emergency responders, burn centers, and communities.
What does new research tell us about wildland firefighter safety?
A forthcoming study in the July/August issue of the Journal of Burn Care & Research (JBCR), the American Burn Association's official peer-reviewed journal, examined firefighter line-of-duty fatalities between 1990 and 2022.
Researchers found several important trends:
The average annual number of wildfires in the United States declined by 23% over the study period.
Despite that decline, wildland firefighters accounted for an increasing share of firefighter line-of-duty fatalities, rising from 2% to 10% of all firefighter fatalities.
Burn-related deaths among wildland firefighters increased from 9% to 27% during the same period.
The authors conclude that additional research, collaboration, and firefighter safety initiatives are needed to better understand these trends and strengthen protections for wildland firefighters.
Why do these findings matter?
Wildland firefighters work in rapidly changing environments that present unique hazards, including extreme heat, smoke exposure, difficult terrain, and unpredictable fire behavior.
Understanding how risks are changing helps healthcare professionals, fire service leaders, researchers, and policymakers identify opportunities to improve:
Firefighter safety initiatives
Burn injury prevention
Disaster preparedness
Emergency response planning
Burn care system readiness
Research also supports evidence-based decisions that can improve outcomes for both firefighters and the communities they serve.
How can communities help prevent wildfires?
Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility.
Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July or spending time outdoors throughout the summer, small decisions can make a meaningful difference.
Consider these safety reminders:
Check local restrictions before using fireworks or lighting outdoor fires.
Dispose of smoking materials safely.
Never leave campfires unattended.
Avoid activities that create sparks during periods of high fire danger.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 911.
Protecting firefighters begins with preventing unnecessary fires whenever possible.
Expert Perspective
"Wildland firefighters enter some of the most dangerous environments in public service. Their courage and sacrifice remind us that burn prevention, wildfire prevention, and firefighter safety are deeply connected. As we approach the Fourth of July, we urge everyone to follow local fire restrictions, avoid preventable fire risks, and make choices that protect both the public and the firefighters who serve them."
— Leopoldo C. Cancio, MD, FACS, President, American Burn Association and COL (ret.), MC, USA, Director emeritus, US Army Burn Center, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX.
"Every firefighter who answers a call accepts a level of personal risk most of us will never fully understand. As we honor these firefighters, ABA also recommits itself to prevention, preparedness, and supporting the burn care teams who stand ready when tragedy occurs."
— Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, American Burn Association
"Fire fighters accept risk every time we answer the call, but no one should be put in harm's way by a preventable fire. As communities gather for the Fourth of July, we urge everyone to follow local fire restrictions, use extreme caution, and remember that a single spark can put fire fighters, families, and entire communities at risk. We honor our fallen brothers and sisters by taking fire prevention seriously and doing everything we can to prevent the next tragedy."
– Phil Tammaro, Burn Coordinator, International Association of Fire Fighters
"Wildland firefighters face unique occupational hazards, and this research shows those risks are increasing in important ways. While the number of wildfires has declined over time, burn-related fatalities among wildland firefighters have increased, highlighting the need for continued research, enhanced safety measures, and collaboration among the fire service, healthcare professionals, and government agencies to better protect those who protect our communities."
– Jeffrey W. Shupp, MD, FABA, JBCR Editor-in-Chief, and Burn Center Director at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Key Takeaways
Wildfire prevention begins with individual actions and responsible decision-making.
Fireworks can cause serious burn injuries and increase wildfire risk during dry conditions.
New research shows wildland firefighters account for a growing share of firefighter line-of-duty fatalities.
Prevention, research, and disaster preparedness all play important roles in protecting firefighters and communities.
Following local fire restrictions helps reduce preventable fires and burn injuries.
Resources
Burn Prevention and First Aid Resources
For additional burn prevention guidance and first-aid information, visit:
Fireworks Safety for All – Comprehensive guidance on reducing fireworks-related burn risks during holiday celebrations
Burn First Aid – Step-by-step instructions for immediate care following a burn injury
Burn Prevention Resources – Educational materials focused on preventing common burn injuries at home and in the community
Patient Education Burn Resources – Tools and guidance designed for patients, families, and caregivers managing burn recovery and safety
Journal of Burn Care & Research
Advance copies of the forthcoming study, Wildland Firefighters Suffer Increasing Risk of Job-Related Death, are available to members of the media upon request to info@ameriburn.org.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide.
About the International Association of Fire Fighters
The International Association of Fire Fighters represents professional fire fighters and emergency medical workers across the United States and Canada and works to advance fire fighter health, safety, public protection, emergency response, and the well-being of its members and the communities they serve. For more information, visit iaff.org .