‘Ignite Adventure, Not Wildfire’ – Coordinated July 4 Wildfire Prevention Campaign Launches in the Eastern Sierra

Eastern Sierra Council of Governments Joint Powers Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2025 

‘Ignite Adventure, Not Wildfire’ – Coordinated July 4 Wildfire Prevention Campaign Launches in the Eastern Sierra 

With the Fourth of July holiday drawing thousands of visitors to the region, partners  across Inyo and Mono counties are launching a shared wildfire prevention campaign  urging the public to “Ignite Adventure, Not Wildfire.”

The campaign is part of the Visitor Connection Package (VCP), a collaborative effort to  deliver coordinated, region-wide messages that promote safety, stewardship, and  sustainability on public lands and in gateway communities.

According to the 2024 Inyo County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, July is the  month with the highest number of wildfire ignitions in the county, making the holiday  weekend a critical time for fire prevention outreach.

“This is more than a safety message, it’s an invitation to connect,” said Kristen Pfeiler,  Wildfire Coordinator for the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments. “You came here for  something real, for wide-open skies, quiet trails, and the feeling of freedom only wild  places can give. But this freedom comes with responsibility. Every campfire, every  spark, every choice you make leaves a mark. Protecting this place means being part of  it, not just passing through. One small act of care and attention can preserve our home  and what drew you here in the first place.”

This July 4, take these steps to help protect the places you love:

✅ Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: No campfires or charcoal outside  developed campgrounds.

✅ Check Red Flag Warnings before lighting a fire or heading out.

✅ Get a free campfire permit before using stoves, BBQs, or permitted fires.

✅ Carry water, a shovel, and fire extinguisher when camping or off-roading.

✅ Fully extinguish all fires: Drown, stir, and repeat until cold.

✅ Stay on designated roads and trails to avoid igniting dry vegetation.

✅ Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. The Independence Fire Safe Council  provides free sleeves made from recycled fire hose to help cover chains – an easy,  local solution inspired by BLM’s One Less Spark campaign.

For all wildfire prevention resources, including fire restriction updates, campfire  permits, Red Flag Warnings, and safety tips, visit:

www.whitebarkinstitute.org/igniteawareness 

This website serves as a central hub for timely and locally relevant information.

Partners are encouraged to share campaign content from July 1-6 using materials  available at www.vcptoolkit.org. Coordinated social media posts will also be published  through the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation channels. To be added to a  collaborative post, please email j[email protected].

Funding for this campaign is provided by CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Program through  California Climate Investments.

News Staff