Summer is a great time to go camping. Coincidentally, camping is one of my favorite things to do. Where do you like to go? I’m always up for checking out new spots! I love being in the wilderness, going hiking, being out on the lake and sitting around a campfire with my friends, laughing about the good times we’ve had. We are always careful to practice safety and precaution around fires because we need to protect ourselves, others and the nature we love so much!
When building a campfire, there are a few important safety rules to remember.
-
Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves. Keep any extra wood away from the fire.
-
Have plenty of water handy and a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
-
Start with dry twigs and small sticks. Add larger sticks as the fire builds up. Put the largest pieces of wood on last, pointing them toward the center of the fire, and gradually push them into the flames.
-
Keep the campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks give plenty of heat. Scrape away litter, duff and any burnable material within a 10-foot diameter circle. This will prevent a small campfire from spreading.
-
Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold. Break it so you can feel the charred portion before discarding it.
-
Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.
-
When done, drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Move rocks, as there may be burning embers underneath.
-
Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough soil and sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled.
-
Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals-- they can smolder and break out.
Remember Smokey the Bear? (Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear campaign is the longest running public service campaign in U.S. History!) He says that “only you can prevent wildfires.” On Smokey’s website, there are interesting tips and facts and ways to educate children on practicing responsibility with campfires.
Be safe and have fun!