Campfires serve various purposes, from heating up simple foods to keeping wildlife at bay. Campfires also light up camps where people dine and sleep while providing much-needed warmth.
Campers must always exercise caution with their campfires. The University of Vermont Medical Center says 80 percent of pediatric campfire burns resulted from day-old campfires. The National Interagency Fire Center notes that, in 2017, 88 percent of wildfires were caused by humans.
When building campfires, several precautionary measures can ensure a safe time is had by all. Campground and other areas will post if the conditions are safe for a fire. Campers should heed all signs and not ignite a campfire if posted warnings say it is too dry and unsafe to do so.
Campers should choose the right location by looking around and up to make sure that the fire will be in a safe location away from low-hanging branches or brush. A radius of at least eight to 10 feet around the fire should be clear of tents, food, chairs, and other items.
To prepare a site, a small pit should be dug in which the fire can be housed. A ring of stones should be placed around the pit.
Fuel should be added only as needed. The fire should be kept at a manageable size and height. Campers should not let it grow just to impress fellow campers, as it can spread and become a problem.
Campers should beware of the duff, which is a layer of decomposing wood material that lies between pine needles and dirt on the forest floor. It is highly flammable, and some mistake it for dirt. Campers should be aware of duff near the campsite and extinguish any embers promptly.
Campers should maintain a close watch and make sure at least one person is always tending to the campfire.
Children and pets should be kept away. Campers should set a proper distance for pets and young children who may not understand the dangers of fire.
The fire should be extinguished properly. A shovel and water should be kept nearby to drown the fire and embers. Campers should mix the ashes and water again to catch anything that may be smoldering. Water, dirt, or sand should continue to be added and stirred with a shovel until all material is cool. A former campfire should never be left hot. A decent perimeter should be checked around the campfire to ensure that no stray embers escaped.
Campfires are an enjoyable part of the overall camping or outdoor wilderness experience. Safety is essential to help prevent forest fires and/or injuries.
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