Fire pits should also be about a foot deep, so the wood sits down low, and encircled with large rocks. Also, be aware of low-hanging branches that could catch on fire. Keep fires away from flammable objectsĬampfires should be at least 15 feet from tent walls, shrubs, trees, brush, and other flammable objects. This helps reduce impacts to the area and allows rangers to keep tabs on where campfires are being built. Use existing fire pits and don’t build new onesĪlways look for an existing fire pit to make your campfire and avoid creating new campfire scars at all costs. ![]() So if fire danger is high, bring some extra layers for warmth and skip the campfire. Right now out West, fire danger is extremely high, and it only takes a little wind and some hot ashes to start a wildfire. Many land management organizations like the Forest Service or BLM have fire danger signs and alerts that indicate whether there is a high, moderate, or low risk of fire. Regardless of whether there is a fire ban in place, do not make a campfire in windy or dry conditions. If you’re unsure about whether you can have a campfire or not, check with the local land management agency. Other times there is a fire ban in place due to high fire danger. Often times digging a fire pit is not allowed purely to preserve archaeological sites or other concerns. Make sure campfires are allowedĭo not build a campfire if it’s prohibited. They may seem obvious, but it’s good to review them every time you head out into the woods so you can pass your campfire wisdom along to other campers. These basic tips come straight from Smokey the Bear himself and are good for every camper to know and will help you be fire smart while camping. The first step to having a safe campfire is choosing a safe location. Ready for some campfire safety 101? We’re channeling our inner Smokey the Bear and getting down to the nitty gritty of how to be fire smart while camping. At Bearfoot Theory, we believe you should respect and care for the outdoors as much as you enjoy them and understanding how to be fire smart is at the top of the list. Those are some big numbers that we can dramatically reduce simply by knowing and practicing the basics of safe campfire procedures. In 2020, there were 58,950 wildfires in the US that burned nearly 10.1 million acres and most of those wildfires were caused by human activity including campfires. ![]() Sights, smells and perfectly made s’mores aside, campfires can also be a hazard. It’s a ritual that brings people together - symbolizing the end of a great day spent outside and embodies the quintessential camping experience. With climate change, record temps, and a drought plaguing the Western US, it’s more important than ever that you know the basics of how to be fire smart while camping and how to enjoy a safe campfire.įor most of us, some of our best camping memories have been made while huddled around a campfire on a cool night, roasting marshmallows, cooking food, and sharing stories with friends and family.
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