Sadly, every year, largely through carelessness and lack of simple preparation, campfires become symbols of tragedy for some instead of good times.

The glow and warmth of an outdoor fire seems to inspire sharing stories and song. It’s a delightful way to spend time with family and friends. And as we head into early autumn, a fire wards off the chill of the evening.

Basic Safety for Campfires – A Matter of Common Sense

It is sometimes said that common sense isn’t as common as it should be! Unfortunately, with fire that is often the case.

“It’s all too easy to be so focused on the fun aspects of the campfire that the all-important safety aspects go by the wayside." says Kim Thornton, from Rustic-Lodge-Lifestyle.com. “The last thing you want is to find yourself facing the destructive force of fire."

Here is a list of things to keep in mind for safe and accident-free campfires:

1. Keep adequate water close at hand.

You need water to extinguish your fire at the end of the evening, but you should also have water or sand handy to put out any errant fires caused by burning embers. A hose is best, but full buckets will do. Keep a spade or shovel handy as well.

2. Determine in advance who will put the fire out.

Make it that person’s responsibility to remain at the fire until it is completely out.

It’s easy, late at night, for everyone to leave as the air gets chilly without a thought to ensuring the fire is out. Perhaps alcohol was consumed which could lead to fuzzy thinking. If nobody has the specific responsibility to thoroughly extinguish the fire, it might not get done. The risk then, is that a breeze could easily fan what appears on the surface to be a dead fire.

Many devastating fires have started from a campfire that was not completely extinguished. Douse and stir many times, and check for any heat radiating from the fire pit.

3.    Keep children away from the fire.

Children love to run and play… it’s what they do!!! It’s all too easy for a child to trip and fall. If that happens to be into a fire, the damage is instant, severe, and tragic.

Draw a line, make a ring of stones, or use some other marking method to create a buffer zone 3 feet (1 meter) out from the fire and instruct children that they are not allowed to cross it unless they are with an adult. And never leave children alone at a fire.

4. Check for fire bans in your area.

During extremely dry periods, many counties and regions implement temporary fire bans for safety.

5. Check surrounding area for combustible materials.

Is the ground cover around your fire pit combustible such as dry grass? Clear a minimum 10 foot circle around the fire pit.

6. Are there trees nearby?

Are there trees overhead or nearby that could catch a burning ember? If so, find another spot for your fire.

7. What’s the weather forecast?

Never start a fire when it’s windy. Burning embers can be carried a great distance and start a fire beyond your reach to put it out.

Is there wind in the forecast that could spread any remaining embers from your fire after everyone has retired for the night? If so, rethink having a campfire.

8. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids not intended for fire starting.

Gasoline and its fumes are highly flammable! Many people have suffered severe burns from an explosion when gas was used to light a fire. Some newspaper and dry kindling are best.

9. Don’t let the fire get too large.

Keep your fire to a manageable size and within the confines of your fire pit.

10. Have a flashlight by the fire.

After dark, when the fire is out, you’ll appreciate having the light to put out the fire and to find your way to bed.

An out-of-control fire is an incredibly powerful and destructive force! It can devastate your home or cabin, burn down forests, and destroy natural habitat and wildlife. By following these simple, but very important safety considerations you can ensure your campfires leave only good memories behind!

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