A campfire is one of the best parts of camping. It's a chance to relax, Tell stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy time with friends and family. But a campfire can also be dangerous if you're not careful. Every year, people are injured or even killed by careless mistakes with campfires. But don't let that scare you away from enjoying your time around the fire! Just follow these simple safety tips, and you'll be safe as can be.
The Dos of Campfire Safety
Do build your fire in an existing fire ring if one is available.
If there is no fire ring, build your fire on bare dirt or sand. This will prevent your fire from spreading to the surrounding vegetation.
Do use small pieces of kindling at first to get your fire going.
Once the fire is going strong, you can add larger pieces of wood.
Do keep a close eye on children
Make sure they understand campfire safety rules.
Do make sure your fire is completely out before leaving it unattended or going to bed for the night.
The best way to do this is to drown your fire with water and stir the ashes until they're cold to the touch.
The Don'ts of Campfire Safety
Don't build a fire in dry or windy conditions.
If it's too dry, your fire could spread out of control quickly. If it's windy, flying embers could start new fires some distance from your campsite.
Don't use accelerants
Like gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid to start or help maintain your fire. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it's also very dangerous. A sudden gust of wind could blow flames onto you or your belongings before you have a chance to move away.
Don't throw the trash into your campfire.
Plastic wrappers, aluminum cans, and other garbage can release toxins when burned that can be harmful to you and the environment. As tempting as it might be to clean up your campsite by burning trash in your fire, it's just not worth the risk.
Don't leave your campfire unattended
Not even for a minute! A single ember can float away and start a new fire some distance from your campsite, endangering both people and property. So always make sure someone is keeping an eye on the fire while it's burning.
Nothing Better Than Sitting By The Fire
A campfire can be a beautiful thing—but only if you're being safe! Follow these simple tips, and you'll be able to enjoy your time around the campfire without any worries. Stay safe out there!
Looking for additional camping essentials? Check out our other articles.
Karie
Karie
