Letters to Our Community – Animals and humans in danger from wildfires
Animals and humans in danger from wildfires
The wildfire burning in Park County, near Florissant, is a reminder that it is not just humans’ lives and homes that are threatened by wildfires. Deer, bears, birds, fish, reptiles, and other animals are killed or displaced, too.
The impacts are also immediate, debilitating and often life-threatening: Thick smoke disorients them, irritates their eyes and makes breathing difficult. Larger animals may try to outrun the flames, while small animals may try to shelter under rocks and in burrows. Those with babies or who are trapped by fences or other structures may not escape.
We can help protect animals and their habitats by eliminating our role in igniting wildfires: Report unattended fires, extinguish campfires and fire pits, keep vehicles off dry grass, don’t throw lit or smoldering cigarettes from your car or truck, and check the weather conditions before burning trash or leaves.
While most naturally occurring wildfires are sparked by lightning, thousands are triggered every year by fireworks. The precaution we can take cannot be clearer.
Craig Shapiro, PETA Foundation
Other Letters to Our Community
- Letters to Our Community – Thank you to the outgoing board members (6/7/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Tri-Lakes Women’s Club gets thanks (6/7/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Grace Best demolition (3/1/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – D38 chaos (3/1/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Thanks to OCN for its support (2/1/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Wildfire call to action (2/1/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Opposed to proposed Buc-ee’s (12/5/2024)
- Letters to Our Community – Lodging tax issue rebuttal (12/5/2024)
- Letters to Our Community – Tax, spend, and tax some more (11/2/2024)
- Letters to Our Community – Vote no on Prop. 127 (11/2/2024)