ORVs, Wildfire and Smokey the Bear

Remember seeing that Smokey the Bear ad warning ATV riders that their machines can spark forest fires. No? Well, that’s because the motorized activists cried foul so loudly that the Forest Service pulled the ad back in 2008 when it was first proposed (see our previous post).

Well an ATV caused the 1,214 acre (3000 hectare) fire in Alberta, and though the Edmonton Journal reports that ORVs are not a common cause, it is apparent that even with spark arrestors that these machines add to human-caused starts.

Perhaps the Forest Service should revisit its decision to pull the ad, especially in light of current snowpack conditions. This month the Bitterroot River basin snow water content is 50 percent of average and 46 percent of last year. Snow water content is now tied for fourth lowest on record with 1992 and 2005.

Instead of denying the obvious, ORV activists should welcome a Forest Service ad reminding them that these machines do cause wildfires, and to check spark arrestors to ensure they function properly as well as to be careful where they start their motors. The ad should also encourage them not to start their machines in extremely dry areas with fine flammable materials, and to check the area before driving away.

These are reasonable and needed messages that ORV owners should hear, especially in light of extremely dry conditions predicted this summer.