Recent drought conditions have made fires more prevalent and extinguishing them more difficult.

According to Bill Stevenson, University fire marshal, students should be attentive to all fires, no matter how small.

Last week, there were numerous forest fires across Orange County and Durham County, and Stevenson said the Raleigh area has been lucky they have not had as many. He said with the combination of high temperatures and little rain, there is always a risk for fire.

“The drought has caused a lot of tension,” he said.

According to Stevenson, due to water restrictions firefighters have been trying to use less water to put out the fires, as difficult as that can be.

Stevenson said they have had to use other methods like dry powder or carbon dioxide to help conserve water. He also said getting to the fire before it gets too large is most important.

“We have stepped up a notch or two,” he said.

According to Stevenson they have tried to be more sensitive about all aspects of their jobs, but they cannot do it by themselves.

Mark Coats, of the Apex Volunteer Fire Department, said their area has been lucky in these drought conditions as well.

“We have not had as many fires as you would think,” Coats said.

Stevenson said drivers throwing cigarettes out of their cars cause most of the fires. He said drivers have a tendency to throw out cigarettes, while people who walk are usually better about properly putting out their cigarettes.

If students do smoke, they should avoid doing so in grassy, leafy or mulch-filled areas, according to Stevenson. He said with dry conditions, a cigarette could easily blow across ground cover and start a fire.

“Most people around campus will just drop their cigarette on the concrete and put it out instead of putting it in the grass,” Dylan Selinger, sophomore in parks, recreation and tourism management, said.

The Fire Department has also been stepping up on preventative measures, like inspections and hot water permits, according to Stevenson.

“The fire service is walking on edge right now,” Stevenson said. “Tactics have changed.”

Coats said that while Apex has not had to change over to new methods, they have been strict about water restrictions. He said they cut out all washing of trucks, and the drought has cut into a lot of their normal maintenance routines.

Stevenson said students should be most concerned about their waste. He said while people are used to having all the water they want, everyone should be considerate of others’ needs — but he is optimistic with students.

“We don’t give them enough credit — when I go to meetings I can brag about how observant they are,” he said.