How to Build a Campfire
One question we often get while attending trade shows is how should I build my campfire. There's a few different methods when it comes to building a good campfire, log cabin and teepee are a few. However, more importantly are campfire safety tips and these must be respected by everyone no matter their level of camping experience.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Before starting any campfire you MUST check with your local municipality regarding up to date fire ban restrictions and by-laws.
CHOOSE A SITE
- pick a site close to a water source and sheltered from the wind
- build your fire on a rock surface or bare dirt
- build your fire at least 3 meters away from logs, stumps, trees and over hanging branches
- build your fire 15 metres away from buildings or tents
PREPARE THE SITE
- clear a space approximately 2 metres wide for the fire
- remove pine needles, grass, leaves and twigs
- scrape the area right down to the soil
- ensure you have a pail of water and a shovel to control the fire
BUILD YOUR CAMPFIRE
- keep your fire small - it shouldn't be bigger than 1 metre high and 1 metre wide
- small fires are safer, easier to control and easier to put out
- a small fire will also keep cooking tools from blackening and let you get close enough to cook
STAY NEARBY
- never leave a campfire unattended
- if you start a campfire you are responsible for tending it, ensuring it is kept under control and putting it out
PUT THE FIRE OUT
use the following steps to put out your fire
- pour lots of water on the campfire
- stir the ashes with a stick
- pour more water onto it
- the ashes don't hiss
- everything looks wet
- no more smoke comes from the ashes
SAFTY TIPS FOR KIDS
- always have adult supervision when you are around the fire
- never play with matches or fire works
- if you see a fire burning out of control tell a adult immediately
* for more campfire safety tips and some great tools to teach kids about campfire safety check out Smokey the bears website . Below is a great video by REI on how to build a campfire.
