Campfire Tips

Campfires are one of the pleasures of camping in the woods, but along with the cozy campfire comes the responsibility to make sure it is COMPLETELY out before leaving the campsite.

Don’t let your campfire become a wildfire!

Following are some things to consider if you are going to have a campfire.

• First, check to see if there are any campfire restrictions in effect.
• Use an existing fire ring, don’t create a new one. When not in a designated campground, build your fire within a ring of rocks.
• Clear all vegetation away from the fire ring (remove all flammable materials, such as needles, leaves, sticks, etc.).
• Select an open level spot away from trees, logs, stumps, overhanging branches, dense dry grass, and forest litter.
• Keep your campfire small in size.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Never leave a campfire unattended!

When putting out your campfire you should:

• First, drown the campfire with water.
• Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially-burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off them.
• Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure that everything is wet.
• Feel the coals, embers, and any partially-burned wood with your hands. Everything (including the rock fire ring) should be cool to the touch. Feel under the rocks to make sure no embers are underneath.
• When you think you are done, take an extra minute and add more water.
• Finally, check the entire campsite for possible sparks or embers, because it only takes one to start a forest fire.

Remember…if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

Courtesy of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, www.fs.fed.us

If you like this post, you might also enjoy:

Camping Features Hiking