Campfire safety: the do’s and don’ts of fires at camp 

Did you know humans have been using fire for over a million years? From keeping warm and lighting up dark nights to cooking food for better digestion, using fire to help us survive in the wild is one of the oldest tools to man.

But even so, fire comes with its dangers and it is important that we maintain safe practices when using fire on camp – to keep us and our environment safe and out of harm’s way. This means there are a number of rules that need to be followed when lighting fires.

Before lighting the fire

When building your fire, don’t build it too big – you can always add more firewood to grow the fire if it isn’t as big as you need, but putting out a fire that is too big to begin with is much harder and dangerous! Similarly, only wood and other forest materials (like twigs and dried leaves) should be used on the fire, no liquid accelerant should be used to encourage flames.

It is also very important to make sure the area of ground around the fire is clear of any flammable items such as clothes or sleeping bags. Don’t start a fire without adult supervision, it is important that a camp leader with experience of fire lighting is present whenever fires are lit.

Before a fire is lit, it is vital that you know how to put a fire out and what method is used on your camp. Comprised of three key elements – fuel, oxygen and heat – fire can be put out by removing one of these elements. In the forest, a water bucket will be nearby to put out any remaining flames and embers.

While the fire is lit 

Don’t play near the fire, if someone falls or catches their clothes in the fire it could spread quickly. When a fire is going, those around the camp should ensure there is an area around the fire that is off-limits while the flames are high.

When you’re done with the fire

There will come a point when you won’t need the fire anymore, it is crucial that the fire is properly extinguished. Never leave a campfire unattended. As already mentioned, water will be on hand to put out the last of the fire before it is left.

Now you know how to practice good fire safety while at camp be sure that everyone on your outdoor residential knows these key rules too.  And why not tell them this fun fact too: nearly all flames from a fire do not cast a shadow – make sure to have a look while on camp.