{"id":2800,"date":"2024-02-28T01:10:08","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T02:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.global-kite.com\/?p=2800"},"modified":"2024-02-29T13:26:57","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T13:26:57","slug":"10-campfire-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.global-kite.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/28\/10-campfire-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Campfire Safety Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

May 24 2021<\/p>\n

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An average of 7.5 million <\/em>acres of forest are impacted by wildfires each year. And almost 85% of wildfires are caused by humans.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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These statistics may look pretty bleak, but the good news is that it means most of the fire damage done to our forests each year can be prevented. With a little extra prep, attentiveness, and care, we can all make a large impact on the future of our natural spaces. In this article we\u2019ll outline how to safely enjoy a fire outdoors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

POPULAR CONTENT: <\/strong>Need a new tent<\/a>, backpack<\/a>, sleeping bag<\/a>\/pad<\/a>, etc? Find our favorites in the CleverHiker Gear Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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10 Fire Safety Tips<\/h2>\n

Don’t Make a Fire<\/h3>\n

The best way to lessen the impact of campfires on our natural spaces is to just do without them. Sure, fires are fun. But even more fun is having beautiful places we can all enjoy for years to come. Below this list of tips, we outline our favorite ways to stay cozy at camp without fire.<\/p>\n

Make Sure You Know The Current Fire Danger Level In The Area<\/h3>\n

Always check with the agency that manages the land you\u2019ll be on to get the most up-to-date information on the fire danger level. To find this info, consult your county\u2019s website or make a call or web visit to the Bureau of Land Management, National Forest Service, state and local parks, and other agencies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Check For Fire Restrictions Before You Go<\/h3>\n

Similar to the point above, you should also check to see if there are fire regulations for the exact area you\u2019re going to. This information will be more specific than the general fire danger level for an area, and may include restrictions such as no fires above a certain elevation, no fires within a certain distance of a natural feature, no fires on certain days, etc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Specific information about fire regulations in a wilderness area can usually be found in the top right of the managing acency’s website. In emergency situations, you’ll often see an advisory up top as well<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Use Established Fire Rings<\/h3>\n

Established fire rings are the safest places to build a fire. They can be found at most established campsites in campgrounds and sometimes even in wilderness sites. Make sure to clear and pack out any trash found in the ring and clear away natural fuel sources before starting your fire. For campsites that don\u2019t have a fire ring, select a spot that\u2019s free of dry organic material and make a little ring out of rocks to contain your fire. Before you leave, make sure your fire is completely extinguished and scatter the rocks you used to preserve the wild look of the area. In the frontcountry, fire pans (like an oil change pan<\/a>) or portable fire pits<\/a> are safe ways to contain fires.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Portable fire pits, like the Solo Stove Campfire Stove<\/a> (above) or the larger Solo Stove Bonfire<\/a>, are safe ways to contain your flames when a fire ring isn’t available <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Clear dead leaves & other organic matter away from your fire ring & store extra wood at a safe distance <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Clear Dead \/ Dry Debris Away From Your Fire Ring<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before starting your fire, do a quick sweep around the perimeter to clear dead leaves, twigs, and other natural fuel sources away from your fire. Cal Fire<\/a> recommends clearing out an area 10 feet in diameter for your fire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Keep Your Fire Small<\/h3>\n

Everyone loves the allure of a roaring fire, but it\u2019s not necessary or worth the risk to the land. Smaller fires still produce an enjoyable amount of heat and light, and they\u2019re much easier to burn to ash and fully extinguish when you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Small fires are much safer & will still keep you warm & comfortable <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Keep a close eye on your fire and have water NEARBY to douse it completely before going to sleep<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Don’t leave your fire unattended <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n

It may be tempting to leave a fire smoldering while you step away for a few hours to hike so that it\u2019s easier to get it going again when you return. But you shouldn\u2019t ever leave your fire unattended. Winds can quickly change and carry little embers a great distance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Extinguish fires completely using water<\/h3>\n

Make sure you always completely extinguish your fire with water before going to sleep or leaving your site. We use a large water jug<\/a> in the frontcountry or a lightweight water pouch<\/a> in the backcountry for extinguishing fires. Using sand or dirt isn\u2019t nearly as effective at completely dousing a fire, so it\u2019s not advisable to use it for putting out your flame. The Leave No Trace<\/a> organization says you should \u201cburn all wood to white ash, grind small coals to ash, thoroughly soak with water, and scatter the remains over a large area away from camp. Ashes may have to be packed out in river corridors.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Platypus Water Pouches<\/a> are a good way to store water for dousing fires<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Keep extra water close by in case BURNING debris escapes from your fire<\/h3>\n

It happens sometimes \u2013 your wood pops and sends sparks flying or a rogue gust of wind carries some burning ash away. Pay close attention to what your fire is doing at all times, and be ready with extra water to extinguish anything that escapes from your fire ring. Even tiny little embers can start devastating fires. We usually keep a large water jug<\/a> with us in the frontcountry and a <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Have water close by to extinguish embers that escape from your fire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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It’s safer to use your stove away from dried grass, leaves, and other flammable material<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Be attentive with your gas stoves \/ lanterns<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The risk of starting a fire from a gas lantern<\/a> or stove<\/a> is pretty low, but it\u2019s still good to handle these items with care since they\u2019re a source of flame. Extra precautions should be used with alcohol stoves since they burn quick and hot, and they produce invisible flames. We generally recommend avoiding alcohol stoves because we don\u2019t think their weight savings is worth the risk they come with.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Other Fire Tips<\/h2>\n

Firewood<\/h3>\n

The type and size of wood you choose is important as well as where it comes from. Below are some tips to keep in mind.<\/p>\n