10 Tips for Enjoying a Safe Campfire

A camping trip is incomplete without a campfire. If you are a regular camper, you have spent countless hours building a campfire, enjoying the crackling and glow of the fire, dancing around the flames, enjoying the coziness with your loved ones, and cooking some delicious meals. But starting a campfire is not easy, especially if you are a beginner. A campfire not built properly can quickly get out of hand and become a hazard to the people, animals, and the land nearby.

We have compiled a list of “things to keep in mind” so that you and your loved ones can safely and responsibly enjoy campfire.

1. Always check for fire regulations

Every campsite has a different rule when it comes to campfires. Some might have a cut-off time while some might prohibit them during dry seasons. A campground that allowed campfires the last time you visited might have changed their rules. So keep an eye out for posters and signs. If ever in doubt, check with the rangers. To learn more about fire restrictions in Manitoba, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/fire_restriction.html. 

2. When available, build the fire in a pit

A fire pit helps in keeping the fire under control. Fire pits or fire rings are available at most campsites. You should only build a camp fire in a pit or a ring. If you are camping in an isolated area, dig up a fire pit away from any dry bush, wood, wooden structures, and low hanging tree branches.

3. Choose the right fire starter

For fire you will need tinder, kindling, and fire food. The drier these are the better. Tinder easily catches fire. So start the fire with dried leaves, dried moss, and tiny pieces of wood. Next use the kindling or small sticks to shape the fire. As the fire starts to build, add larger pieces of wood or logs. This will help prolong the fire for longer periods. 

4. Use local firewood

Many campgrounds offer firewood onsite. Use this firewood for your fire. If you bring firewood from other sites, you may unknowingly bring tree killing insects and diseases and introduce them into your campsite where they were never found before. Also, keep in mind that wooden pallets and planks are often coated in toxic chemicals which are not meant to be burned.

5. Keep water handy

Always keep a bucket of water and a shovel next to you when starting a campfire. This helps put off any runaway flames. Water and sand are your best friends in case the fire gets out of control. 

6. Monitor the wind

A strong wind is not your best friend when you have a campfire going. A sudden burst of wind can spread your fire in an instant. To avoid turning your campfire into a wildfire, build your fire at least 15 feet away from your campsite. Keep the firewood and anything flammable away from the fire.

7. Avoid the smoke

Hotter the fire, less the smoke you will have. The best way to get a hot fire is to use dry wood and keep the circulation by reducing the bark and debris in your fire. But sometimes even that is not enough. The options for controlling the smoke are limited. If there is a steady wind, sit in the opposite direction of the wind. Sit further away from the fire in case the wind is moving around.

8. Be careful

Fire can be dangerous if not continuously monitored. You don’t only need to be careful of the fire getting out of hand but also need to be mindful if you have children and pets camping with you. Let your kids know about the danger of fire and teach them safety tips in case their clothes catch on fire. Do not let kids and pets close to the fire pit unless under adult supervision.

9. Never leave a fire unattended

All it takes is one small breeze for the fire to spread quickly. So never leave a campfire unattended even for a minute. There should be at least one pair of eyes monitoring the fire at all times.

10. Put out the fire

If you are planning on calling it a night or leaving the fire unattended even for a minute, it is best to put it out properly. Dump the water you kept handy when you started the fire and stir the ashes with a shovel. The campfire should be cold before you leave and there should be no glowing embers. General rule of thumb – if it’s too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave. Give yourself a good 5 minutes or so to put off a small campfire.