According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there about 105,534 wildfires every year, many of which are caused by unwitting campers. In order to protect the environment (and yourself), you need to make sure that your campfire is as safe as it can possibly be and one of the best ways to do this is to make sure your fire pit is in proper working order.
If you’re not sure how to do this, relax — it’s easy. Here are a few tips straight from Smoky the Bear’s fire protection handbook to help you out.
First, Pick the Spot.
If you want to have a fire when you’re out camping, it’s best to pick a site that already has a pit dug. If one’s not available, then pick a spot for a fire pit that’s at least 15 feet away from any tents, trees, or other flammable objects. According to Smoky’s fire protection handbook, you should also avoid building a pit in a place with dry, hazardous conditions, such as a field with a lot of dry grass.
Then, Get the Right Fire Protection Products Ready.
Chances are you won’t have fire suppression products, like fire extinguishers, on hand when you go camping, and that’s perfectly understandable. That being said, you do need to have some kind of fire protection equipment available when you’re having a campfire, just not the high powered type of fire suppression equipment you’d find in a commercial or residential building. According to Smoky’s fire protection handbook, you need to have a big bucket of water (or a hose) and a shovel on hand before you start your campfire. These tools will make sure that everything gets properly extinguished when it’s time to put the fire out.
Lastly, Build the Pit Properly.
The first thing Smoky’s fire protection handbook says to do is to clear a 10-foot square area around where you want the fire pit to go, removing any grass, twigs, or leaves that can catch fire. Then, dig a pit in the dirt that’s about a foot deep and two or three feet wide. Lastly, smoky’s fire protection handbooks advises circling the pit with rocks, which will keep any burning pieces of wood in.
And there you have it! You’re already to have a safe, fun fire! If you have any questions about the tips offered by Smoky’s fire protection handbook, feel free to ask in the comments. References: www.piperfire.com