Outdoor Fire Safety
Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters


Building and Putting Out a Campfire

• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes , rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile any extra wood away from the fires.
• Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Start with dry twigs and small sticks.
• Add larger sticks as the fire builds up.
• Put the largest pieces of wood on last, pointing them toward the center of the fire, and gradually push them into the flames .
• Keep the campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks gives plenty of heat. Scrape away litter, duff , and any burnable material within a 10-foot-diameter circle. This will keep a small campfire from spreading.
• Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold. Break it so that you can feel the charred portion before discarding it. Make sure it is cold out. Conserve matches---carry a candle as a fire starter.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks---there may be burning embers underneath.
• Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough soil or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled.
• Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals---they can smolder and break out.

Charcoal Briquettes

• After using the burning charcoal briquettes, "dunk 'em!" Don't sprinkle. Soak the coals with lots of water; stir them and soak again. Be sure they are out--cold! Carefully feel the coals with your bare hands to be sure.

Smoking

• When smoking is permitted outdoors, safe practices require at least a 3-foot clearing around the smoker. Grind out your cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco in the dirt. Never grind it on a stump or log. It is unsafe to smoke while walking or riding a horse or trail bike. Use your ashtray while in your car.

Lanterns, Stoves, and Heaters

• Cool all lanterns, stoves, and heaters before refueling. Place them on the ground in a cleared area and fill them. If fuel spills, move the appliance to a new clearing before lighting it. Recap and store flammable liquid containers in a safe place. Never light lanterns and stoves inside a tent, trailer, or camper. If you use a lantern or stove inside a tent or trailer, be sure to have adequate ventilation. Always read and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.