5 Fire Safety Tips for Safe Camping
A camping adventure is much more enjoyable when there is a campfire involved, but that also comes with a few hazards that need to be kept in mind at all times, for your safety and everyone else around you. It is estimated that nine out of every ten wildfires are caused by campers who are not as careful as they should be. Whether it’s your first time camping or you’re a veteran, safety is essential to having an experience that creates lasting memories.
Using these five safety tips will ensure that your camping adventure starts and ends well!
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Review Campsite Rules
The first thing that you should absolutely do is make sure the campsite allows campfires. Generally speaking, most campsites will make this fact very well-known. However, it’s important to your safety, as well as your wallet, that you be proactive and review the campsite rules, prior to starting a campfire. And of course, never break the rule if campfires are not allowed. Campsite rules are set in place for a reason and you should respect them the same as if you were a guest anywhere else.
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Check the Weather Forecast
A campfire can get out of control instantaneously and become enhanced by the weather conditions. Windy conditions can send elements from the fire into non-secure areas. By checking the weather forecast, you will know if there is a chance of a windy day or night. You should never start a fire during windy conditions, regardless if the temperatures are necessary for your comfort. A fire can spread extremely fast and the wind is an igniter that just keeps it spreading even faster.
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Choose a Secure Area
You’ve probably heard the words “location, location, location” repeated in real estate, but it also applies when starting a campfire. You want an area that is free from overhanging tree branches, debris, or trash. The area should be a good distance from any flammable materials, including extra wood. Be sure to place large rocks around the designated campfire area prior to starting the fire. The rocks are not just to make the area look appealing, they actually break a fires’ momentum if it begins to spread. There should also be a 10-foot perimeter cleared around the campfire down to the dirt.
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Use Patience when Starting
Often times, a campfire can be stubborn to start. Be patient! The worst thing you want to do is make an impulse decision to use anything other than a match to start a campfire. In other words, an impulse decision to use the gasoline from the storage of your camper is a very bad decision. After lighting the fire, be sure to throw the used match directly into the fire, even if the match has burned out.
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Extinguish the Fire Properly
It cannot be overstated to say never leave a campsite unless you know a campfire has been completely extinguished. This includes leaving to do other activities. Never leave a campfire unattended! You should only use water to put the fire out and a lot of it! Additionally, use a shovel to stir the water into the fire. If it is even warm afterward, you should not leave the campsite. Be sure to plan your time accordingly, so that you’re not extinguishing the fire and then leaving the campsite immediately afterward.
To learn more about campfire safety tips, contact the staff at Reliable RV, or stop by anytime that is convenient for you. Our goal is to help you have a camping adventure that is enjoyable, memorable, and safe! We look forward to hearing from you!
