As we get towards the summer months, more and more of us will be heading out into the Great Outdoors to soak up some sun, spend time with our loved ones, and surround ourselves with some of the most beautiful nature on the planet. And with exploring the outdoors comes camping.
However, with camping comes the irresistible urge to light a campfire, whether that’s to make sure you’re warm, or to cook your food on. There’s no denying how amazing it to all sit around telling stories, laughing at memories and just enjoying some good company.
As we’re sure you don’t want this amazing time to turn into a horror story, here are three things you need to remember when it comes to campfire safety to ensure everything and everything in your surrounding area is safe and happy.
- Clear a Safe Space
The first and most important decision you’ll need to make when it comes to having a campfire is where you’re going to have it. You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a safe location where it’s legal to have the fire, and there are no immediate dangers in the area.
Look specifically for overhanging branches or dangers like chemicals or gasoline cans. You’ll always want to clear the area you’re going to have the fire, so it’s free from sticks and leaves. Also, make sure your tent is flame resistant/retardant to protect you. You can find these at sites like gatoroutdoor.com.
- Dig a Pit
The best way to stop a fire from spreading and making sure you’re in control and the fire itself is controlled is to dig a pit. This doesn’t have to be super deep, but just enough that you can fill the bottom with newspaper, leaves, wood, or whatever you’re going to burn, and the embers are in the dirt, rather than on the surface.
This also stops logs rolling off the fire and potentially causing problems. Another great safety tip is to put big rocks, stones, or bricks around the fire to create a ring. This creates the same effect and using both techniques will help you maximize safety.
- Have Safety Options Ready
The dangerous thing about fire is that it’s completely unpredictable and does what it wants. Due to the nature of natural elements, like leaves and wood, fire can travel quickly and unexpectedly. Couple with the fact you’ll probably be having a couple of drinks, it’s always best to be prepared.
The best way to put out campfires is by using water and sand. Chuck water over the fire to douse it and then throw on the sand to douse the embers. Keep a bucket of both of these substances nearby for emergencies, and if you’re putting it out at the end of the night.
Summary
As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do when it comes to having a campfire in the safest way possible. However, and most importantly, you’ll need everyone to be alert and focused on what’s going. The more aware you can be, the safer you’ll be.
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