Campfire Safety

• Check that the site allows campfires and that there are no burn bans.
• Make sure there are no burn bans and it’s not too windy.
• Dig a pit away from overhanging branches.
• Circle the pit with rocks.
• Clear a 10-foot area around the pit down to the dirt, removing anything that could catch on fire.
• Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
• After lighting, throw the match into the fire.
• Never leave a campfire unattended; an adult should supervise the campfire at all times.
• Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby.
• Never put anything but wood into the fire.
• Do not pull sticks out of the fire.
• Do not sit on the fire ring or rocks around the campfire. They will heat up quickly and stay hot for a long time.
• When it’s time to put the fire out, dump lots of water on it, stir it with a shovel, then dump more water on it. Make sure it is COLD before leaving the campsite. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!

For additional information, visit Smokey the Bear’s website.