Campfire Safety

300_557291Campfires can be a great addition to your Campout. Below are some tips to get the most out of your campfire experience. Be sure to check with the campground manager or the local forest service about possible restrictions due to forest fire hazards.

  • Keep the fire small.
  • Softwoods, like pine, fir, and cedar, are best for starting a fire.
  • Have water available to extinguish the fire properly.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Maintain a debris-free area around the fire, so sparks cannot ignite vegetation and spread the fire.
  • Make sure ashes are cold when you leave the fire.
  • Build fires only in fire rings, stoves or fireplaces.
  • Use only dead wood lying on the ground. Do not cut live trees, or branches from trees near the campsite.
  • Start the fire by building a small teepee of dry sticks and igniting it with a match. As the fire gets started, add larger pieces of wood.
  • Extinguish all fires by pouring water on them, stirring the ashes and pouring more water.
  • Leave your fire ring clean for the next campers.

via Campfire Safety – National Wildlife Federation.