Campfire Safety 101:

🔥 Stay Warm Stay Safe

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a crackling campfire. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, swapping ghost stories, or just soaking in the starry night, a fire adds a magical touch to any camping trip. But while campfires are cozy and fun, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. So before you strike a match, let’s go over the essentials of campfire safety.

🌲 1. Choose the Right Spot

  • Use designated fire rings whenever possible—they’re there for a reason.
  • Stay at least 15 feet away from tents, trees, shrubs, and anything that could catch fire.
  • Avoid building fires under low-hanging branches or near dry brush.

🪵 2. Build It Right

  • Keep your fire small and manageable.
  • Use only dry, seasoned wood—never burn trash, plastics, or anything with chemicals.
  • Stack wood carefully to maintain good airflow (a teepee or log cabin style works well).

💧 3. Keep Water and Tools Nearby

  • Always have a bucket of water, a shovel, and even dirt or sand nearby in case you need to smother the flames quickly.
  • Never leave the fire unattended—not even for a minute.

🚫 4. Watch the Weather

  • Windy conditions? Skip the fire. Wind can blow sparks into surrounding areas and start wildfires.
  • Fire bans are no joke—always check local regulations before you light up.

🔥 5. Put It Out Completely

When it’s time to say goodnight:

  1. Douse the fire with water until all embers are fully soaked.
  2. Stir the ashes with a stick or shovel.
  3. Add more water or dirt until it’s cool to the touch—not just warm, but cool.

If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

🧠 6. Teach and Supervise

  • If kids are around, teach them fire safety early.
  • Make sure everyone knows the stop, drop, and roll drill.
  • Never let children or pets play near the fire unsupervised.

🚒 7. Respect Nature

  • Burn only what you bring—leave natural materials alone.
  • Scatter cool ashes and coals away from trails and water sources if no disposal area is available.
  • Leave no trace—keep the area as beautiful as you found it.

Final Thoughts

Campfires bring people together—but only when they’re safe. A moment of caution can prevent a disaster that could harm people, wildlife, and the great outdoors we all love.

So light it up with care, stay safe, and enjoy the warm glow of a fire that respects nature and your fellow campers.

Happy camping! 🏕️🔥