Since people cause most wildfires, we all have a part in preventing them. Follow these safety tips when burning outdoors.
Campfires
- Check the fire danger map to make sure it's safe to have a fire where you are. Avoid burning on windy days.
- Use existing campfire rings when possible.
- Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves. Pile any extra wood away from the fire.
- Campfires must be less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in diameter. Only charcoal or untreated wood can be used as fuel. 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 the campfire from spreading.
- Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold.
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Always keep water and hand tools nearby to control the fire, if necessary. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly.
- Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.
- Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. If you do not have water use dirt. Do not bury your coals as they can smolder and break out.
- Consider using a small stove for cooking in remote areas vs making a campfire.
