Remember Smoky the Bear? Sadly, today many people don't, which is unfortunate, since his message is as pertinent as ever: "Only you can prevent forest fires!" A large number of forest fires are caused by carelessness around campfires. Campfires can be hazardous in several other ways as well. It is really easy to get severely burned while enjoying a campfire, unless you use proper campfire protection. Also, it is possible for nearby tents to catch fire from flying sparks. These hazards and others make a thorough knowledge of campfire a necessity for anyone who intends to go camping.

Building a campfire

Before you begin to build your campfire, it is important to find out whether it is safe to have a campfire at all. If you are at a park or campground, be sure to check with the person in charge before building a fire. There may be restrictions against campfires during certain times of the year and in certain areas, especially those that are prone to forest fire during the dry season. You should also have a first aid kit on hand, and be aware of the location of a nearby telephone, especially if you are not getting cell phone service in your location.

Only build campfires in fire pits or rings that are well constructed to keep the fire contained. It is dangerous to build campfires under overhanging branches, since sparks can easily get caught in the branches and start a fire. Be sure to keep firewood and other flammable items such as dry grass and leaves a safe distance away from the fire pit or fire ring. Seating around the campfire should also be set up a safe distance away, so that people are not leaning too close to the fire.

When starting the campfire, do not use flammable liquids such as kerosene and gas. These can cause flames to leap up suddenly, catching the fire builder by surprise. Instead, begin the campfire with small sticks and twigs, and use a match or lighter to light the fire. If the twigs are dry, the fire should start quickly, so there is no need for dangerous flammable liquids. Avoid using leaves to start your fire, as they usually do not remain in the fire ring, and can easily blow into campers, tents, or trees.

As the fire begins to build up, you can start adding larger sticks. Finally, add the larger pieces of wood. The larger firewood should point towards the center of the fire. It is not advisable to use wood that is larger in diameter than your ankle.

Be sure to keep plenty of water nearby the fire. You may need to use it to douse the campfire if it gets out of control. Another option is to keep a small pile of dirt and a shovel near the campfire, and use the shovel to throw dirt on the fire if it gets too big or dangerous.


Putting out the fire

Never leave a campfire unattended. If everyone is planning on leaving the fire, it is absolutely essential that the fire is put out. The campfire needs to be 100% out before you leave, because even the smallest remaining embers can ignite a forest fire if picked up by wind. This is why it is important not to bury your coals when putting out the campfire, because even buried coals can easily start a forest fire.

To put out the fire, pour water over the fire pit or ring, being sure to drench all firewood, sticks and twigs. If your campfire is in a fire ring, move the rocks slightly to make sure there are no embers underneath them. If there are, pour some more water over them. Use a shovel to stir the remains of the fire, and then pour more water over the fire pit. Once the material within the fire pit is cooled off, it is safe to leave the area.

If you do not have water with you, you can shovel dirt on the fire to put it out. It is much easier to put a fire out using water, but you may not have enough of it available to waste on dousing your campfire.