Building a Safe Campfire

Building a Safe Campfire

Whether it is a dry outside or not, it is always a good idea to build a safe campfire when you are outdoors. Fires that allow sparks to escape or are too large to control can contribute to wildfires and brushfires that can easily destroy hundreds of acres of land and even buildings that are in the fire's paths.

You should find out whether the area in which you plan to build a campfire is under a burn ban or not. Depending on where you are, if there is a burn ban in place you might not be able to build a campfire at all. Once you determine if you can even have a fire, you should then make sure that it is a safe fire.

Next, choose a good spot for your fire. You probably want to make sure that it has about a ten foot radius of clear land around it, and you should double-check for low tree branches. This is because sparks can fly out of the fire and also be carried up into the trees, where they can start burning. Thus, clearing away dead flammable matter such as dry pine needles for ten feet around your fire is a good safety measure.

When looking for material for your fire, be sure to pick dry timber, if it is available. Damp material can be hard to light, and once it does catch flame, it can be very smoky. Gather enough tinder, kindling, and fuel for your fire to get started without having to go back and forth and leave your flame unattended.

To build your fire, you may want to consider utilizing a lean-to shape. This triangular building array helps oxygen get to the fire, so that it survives. However, be careful with piling on bigger logs because you do not want the fire to collapse and throw sparks.

After you are finished with your fire, be sure to put it out safely. Pour water over it and then stir the sticks around before pouring another layer of water over the coals. Some people also choose to bury the fire in soil or something else that can smother the fire out.

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There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, such as with biking or camping. However, you should always make sure that if you build a fire, you do so safely and responsibly. For more information on enjoying the outdoors, as well as business that provide tools to have fun outdoors, check out the Business Directory today.