Who doesn't love gathering around a Camp Fire? No, really..
Maybe you're re-capping the day with the folks you care about, fixing something to eat or simply staying warm in the elements, you just can't beat the great outdoors. The majestic sights, the ever changing sounds and smells are one of life's most simple and enjoyable experiences.
After a day outside doing what we do and love, you could bet your hat that you'll find us all gathered together around the camp fire, recapping our day, telling tall tales and generally enjoying each others company alongside Mother Nature.
It's tradition, it's survival and it's therapy. It's a lot of things to a lot of people for reasons I'm sure you can relate but o us, the most important aspect of outdoor fires is simply being able to enjoy another one safely tomorrow. That comes with great responsibility that all of us should take seriously. That means being smart about where we decide to hold our campfire, what the wind conditions look like and many more.
Below we will outline everyone's basic responsibilities when having an outdoor fire.
#1 - Make sure that the area you are in allows you to hold an outdoor fire. That means understanding the rules of the area you are in.
Example: for Archaeological reasons, some areas or parks may not allow you to dig a pit.
#2 - Never build a campfire during Dry/Windy conditions. If you're unsure of those conditions, don't start a fire, simple as that.
#3 - Does the Campground or area you are in have existing fire rings or fire pits? If not, ensure that you keep back 15 feet from flammables, tents, walls, trees or shrubs and understand what is above you.
Example: Low hanging Tree Branches.
Dig a pit, just about one foot deep, circle the pit or line the rim with rocks, always keep an available water source nearby at all times.
#5 - Choose a level and open areas away from dense or heavy fuels sources for fire such as Decaying leaves, logs and brush.
#6 - WIND! It is imperative that we always select an areas whenever possible that shields our fire from the wind, sparks travel freely along the breeze and can travel up to several meters while still lit. This is dangerous stuff that needs to be considered before any campfire's are burned.
#7 - Extinguising your fire is easy and very important. USe your nearby water to douse all embers, pour water on the coals and any remaining logs, kindling or tinder until the hissing sound stops. Putting out a fire is an audio/visual exercise. Use dirt or sand to smother the fire and rob it of oxygen.
A good rule to follow when putting out a camp fire:
If you can't touch it, you can't leave it.
Simple as that.
For more information on Campfire/Outdoor Fire Safety and Responsibilities please visit the links below:
Canada's St. John Ambulance:
https://www.sja.ca/English/Safety-Tips-and-Resources/Pages/Summer%20Safety/summer-fire-safety.aspx
Smokey Bear:
https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety
As always, let us know what you think, we'd love to hear about your stories and experiences in the great outdoors!!