Campfire Safety

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know August 10th is National Smores Day?

Whether you prefer your campfires in the great outdoors or at the comfort of your own home, it is important to be safe before, during, and after enjoying some time by a fire outdoors. Here are 5 safety tips to consider before your next fire.

Look Up and Look Around- When choosing your fire pit, make sure it is not under any low-hanging branches or near any brush or bushes which can easily go up in flames. You should also keep a radius of 8 to 10 feet around the fire pit clear of tents, chairs, food, and any other items.

Safety Proof Your Pit- Before starting your fire, clear all debris from around the fire pit, including garbage and grass. There should be a five-foot perimeter of soil around the campfire space. If there is no metal ring, circle the pit with rocks. If your fire grows in size, this will help keep it within the borders of the fire pit. Keep any flammable items far from the fire, including aerosol cans and pressurized containers.

Keep Water Nearby- A big gust of wind or new piece of wood could cause your fire to grow larger than anticipated. In that case, always keep water, dirt or a shovel nearby to help reduce the flames or put the fire out completely if necessary.

Always Watch- Whether you are camping alone, with friends, or family, it is easy to get distracted and walk away from the fire. Regardless of what is going on around you, make sure someone always has an eye on the fire. It is especially important to keep an eye on pets and children that may be sitting or walking near the fire.

Extinguish Before Bed- When it is time for bed, you need to put out the fire. You can do this by putting water or dirt on top, then stirring the embers around with a shovel to ensure another fire won't start. Ideally, the coals should be wet and cold.

These tips will help keep your campfire or bonfire under control so you can sit back and enjoy some s'mores without worry.