As the weather gets hotter and drier, forest fires become a very real problem for many communities. Due to weather changes around the world, even typically rainy areas are in danger of drought due to lack of precipitation. As the grass and plants in an area dry out, it becomes possible for even a small stray spark to start a fire. This is especially important to keep in mind during a camping adventure, as campfires are the leading cause of forest and grass fires. Here are some tips for fire safety!
Forest fires are very hard to put out because they spread so quickly
Camp Safely!
Summer is a great time to camp. The weather is clear, and lots of campsites feature shady trees and perhaps even a convenient water hole or two. It can be cool at night, though, and you need heat to cook your food, so most campers enjoy a campfire as it gets dark. Most campsites allow fires, but it's your job to make sure that you are being safe.
There's nothing like camping near a lake or ocean!
Check the Laws!
One thing you can do to ensure safety is to make sure that campfires are allowed in your area. We automatically think of campfires when we go camping, but when an area is in severe drought conditions, campfires may actually be outlawed due to fire danger.
S'mores are a delicious campfire treat!
Choose Your Site!
If a campfire is allowed, be sure to carefully set it up. You will need to clear the area within at least three meters of where you will be having your fire. You will also need to set up a rock circle around where the fire will be; this can help to prevent any loose sparks from escaping and catching on grass or leaves nearby. You must also be very careful to tend your fire. Do not leave the fire unattended, even for a moment. A fire can get out of control very quickly if conditions are hot and dry. Another tip for fire safety is to keep at least one pail of water nearby. You may also want to camp close to a hose or water source, and be sure to know how long it will take you to reach that source in case of fire.
Make sure your tent is far enough away from your campfire
Put it Out!
When you put your fire out before bed or after eating, make sure that you use water to douse it. Even with water or smothering, some sparks may still remain. It is up to you to carefully monitor the fire as it is being put out to be sure that it is completely dead.
Now that you have some tips for fire safety when camping, you can relax and enjoy telling scary stories around the campfire. Have a safe summer!
Have Your Say!
Do you have any tips that you can share for making a camping trip fun and safe?
