Campfire Safety

by Jeff
(Canada)

Basic campfire safety should be a skill for everyone heading out on a camping adventure. Did you know that more than four out of every five forest fires are started by people? You don’t want not start a wildfire. Not only because of the disastrous consequences a wildfire can have for the nature and nearby settlement but also because a wildfire could trap you.


Remember the campfire safety rules:

1.
Build a fire only on bare rock, sand or mineral soil - clear all vegetation away from your fireplace.

2.
Use stones to surround your campfire.

3.
Keep your campfire small.

4.
Keep water nearby for throwing on the fire if it gets out of control.

5.
Never leave a campfire unattended


When putting out your campfire:

1.
Drown the campfire with water.

2.
Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet.

3.
Feel all materials with your bare hand. Everything including the stones surrounding the campfire should be cool to the touch.

4.
When you think you are done add more water - take the time to completely put out your campfire.

If you don't have water at hand, or if it is scarce, then use dust and dirt to put out your campfire. Check your fireplace even more carefully before leaving.