Campfire Safety Tips

Doesn’t the smell of sweet marshmallows toasting over an open campfire make you think of a great summertime camping trip? How about a delicious hotdog roasting on a stick over the same fire? I am salivating just thinking about both!
When enjoying a campfire and the related yummy foods, it is imperative to remember to do so safely. Restore Construction, Inc. recommends you follow the tips listed below to stay safe this summer.
- Do not build a fire on a windy day as the sparks and embers could travel, causing an unintentional fire.
- Ensure there is a safe distance (at least 8-10 ft.) between your campfire and tents, chairs, trailers, lighting fluid, propane cylinders, pressurized containers, overhanging tree branches, bushes, dry grass, and other combustible items.
- If a fire pit is provided, build the campfire inside of it; if not, build it on bare rock or sand.
- Be sure to clear all debris from the area in which you build the fire first.
- Pay attention to the wind direction to ensure sparks and embers do not travel onto flammable materials.
- Contain your fire by surrounding it with rocks, if possible.
- Store the excess wood upwind and away from the campfire.
- Avoid using flammable liquids to start your fire. Crumpled paper and kindling are safer options.
- Be sure to place the wood in a teepee shape.
- As the fire grows, add larger, dryer pieces of food to the teepee shape.
- Keep water nearby at all times in case the size grows larger than anticipated.
- Do not burn garbage in the fire.
- Keep campfires to a small, manageable size.
- Never leave the campfire unattended.
- Supervise any children who are enjoying the fire with you and do not allow them to run around near the fire.
- Extinguish your campfire using water or dirt before going to bed.