Campfires - The Do’s and Don’ts

Campfires have been a staple of outdoor adventures for centuries, providing warmth, light, and a place for people to gather and tell stories. But with any fire comes the risk of danger, so it's important to understand and follow the do's and don'ts of campfire safety.

One of the most important things to consider when building a campfire is location. It's important to choose a safe spot that is away from flammable materials such as leaves, brush, or trees, and to clear the area around the fire to minimize the risk of it spreading. Additionally, it's important to make sure campfires are permitted in the area where you are camping and to follow any regulations or fire bans that may be in place.

When building the fire itself, it's important to use small, dry twigs and branches as kindling, and to add larger pieces of firewood as the fire grows. Building the fire on bare soil or in a designated fire ring can help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. And it's always a good idea to keep a shovel and bucket of water or sand nearby in case you need to put out the fire.

There are also a number of things to avoid when building a campfire. One of the most important is to never build a fire in windy conditions, as this can make the fire much more difficult to control and increase the risk of it spreading. Additionally, it's important not to use flammable liquids to start the fire, as these can be very dangerous and unpredictable.

It's also important not to leave the fire unattended, especially at night. This can be a serious safety risk, as the fire can spread quickly and become dangerous. And when it comes to what to burn in the fire, it's always best to avoid hazardous materials such as trash, cans, glass, or aluminum foil.

Another thing to keep in mind is to not let the fire get too big. While a large fire may be impressive, it can be difficult to control and increase the risk of spreading. Additionally, it's important not to burn the fire too close to trees or overhanging branches, as this can also increase the risk of spreading.

Here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts for your next campfire expedition:

Do’s for campfires:

- Choose a safe location for your fire, away from flammable materials such as leaves, brush, or trees, and clear the area around it. 

- Make sure campfires are permitted in the area you are camping in, and follow any regulations or fire bans. 

- Build campfires on bare soil or a designated fire ring to contain the fire. 

- Use small, dry twigs and branches as kindling, and add larger pieces of firewood as the fire grows. 

- Keep a shovel and bucket of water or sand nearby in case you need to put out the fire.

Don'ts for campfires:

- Don't build a fire in windy conditions, as it can spread quickly and become dangerous.

- Don't use flammable liquids to start the fire. 

- Don't leave the fire unattended, especially at night. 

- Don't burn hazardous materials such as trash, cans, glass, or aluminum foil. 

- Don't let the fire get too big, as it can become difficult to control and dangerous.

- Don't burn the fire too close to trees or overhanging branches.

In conclusion, campfires can be a fun and enjoyable part of any outdoor adventure, but it's important to be safe and responsible when building and maintaining them. By following the do's and don'ts of campfire safety, you can minimize the risk of danger and have a safe and enjoyable time around the fire.

Remember: When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and not have a fire at all.

"A small spark can start a great fire, that ignites passion in others” - Unknown