By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 21, in Xiamen, we spoke with members of the Xiamen Forest Fire Brigade, part of the Fujian Provincial Forest Fire Corps, about their proactive efforts to enhance wildfire prevention and response capabilities as autumn arrives.
With increasingly dry temperatures and low moisture levels in forested areas, the risk of forest fires has escalated, creating a serious challenge for fire management. The brigade has embraced a proactive approach, shifting from a passive response to an active prevention strategy. They are employing a combination of patrol methods, utilizing vehicles, on-foot inspections, and drones to monitor key forested areas and tourist spots.
During one of their awareness campaigns, firefighters shared insights on the two primary causes of forest fires: natural sources and human activity. While natural ignitions, such as lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions, are relatively rare, the team emphasized the importance of educating the community on fire prevention.
At various hotspots in Xiamen, the brigade engaged in a dual approach to public outreach, distributing fire safety pamphlets and setting up fire hazard collection bins. Their goal is to reinforce the importance of fire safety and to raise awareness among visitors.
Additionally, they established equipment demonstration zones in crowded areas to answer questions and increase understanding of forest fire safety. Firefighters made an effort to explain critical concepts in simple terms, ensuring the community could easily grasp the information and take necessary precautions.
To further prepare for fire response, the brigade is focusing on training with crucial firefighting equipment such as GPS devices, water hoses, chainsaws, and fire-starting tools. They are adhering to a training principle of prioritizing urgent needs while progressively increasing training difficulty. This will sharpen their technical skills and enhance their ability to adapt to various firefighting environments.
As the autumn season progresses, the Xiamen Forest Fire Brigade remains committed to ensuring that they are ready to tackle any potential wildfire challenges that may arise.