subject: Fire Safety Advice For The Campsite [print this page] Just about everyone enjoys a campout, and what camping experience would be complete without a campfire? When you build a campfire though, be certain that you and everyone along with you are well aware of all of the critical fire safety rules for camping out. One little misstep with a campfire could lead to a deadly forest fire.
When starting your campfire, always use the prepared pit that's at your site. If there isn't one there, then don't even attempt to build a fire, unless you or someone with you are equipped and experienced enough to do it right. When it comes time to light the fire, only somebody who is knowledgeable should do it. Others should only build the fire when being guided by that knowledgeable person.
If they aren't already there, make a circle of rocks around the outside of the campfire so that any accidental spreading can be avoided. Basically you want to arrange things to ensure that another, unplanned fire can't inadvertently start up.
Keep a bucket of water standing by just in case something unexpected happens. This needs to be next to the fire all the time, and everyone needs to understand just why it's there. Alternatives to this could be a pail of sand and a shovel, but having all of them on hand is ideal.
Kids should never be left unsupervised with an active campfire. Even if they are simply roasting marshmallows, an adult should be supervising all the time. We were all young at one time and know just how quickly kids can go from roasting marshmallows to playing with the fire. Plainly leaving kids alone in those circumstances goes against all good judgment in terms of fire safety.
Sooner or later you'll have to leave the campfire. Either your campout will be finished for the day, it's time to go to sleep, or you want to go for a hike or to the beach. Regardless of the reason, be certain to put the fire out thoroughly. Use a lot of water to put out all the flames and coals, and don't just throw dirt over it since you'll have no way of knowing whether or not the fire continues to burn underneath. Finally, when you leave the site entirely, ensure you leave the fire pit clean and safe for the next person.
