Backcountry Campfire Safety
There’s nothing like relaxing by the fire after a long day of hiking. Telling stories, passing around a bottle of whiskey, and warming your sore and blistered feet is arguably the best way to end the day when you’re backpacking. However, before you start gathering sticks and logs, you need to be cognizant of campfire safety.
According to the National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans.
These aren’t all from campfires. They are also from equipment use and malfunctions, carelessly discarded cigarettes and sometimes gender reveal parties...
Nonetheless, practicing campfire safety is essential for limiting these damaging wildfires. Before your next trip into the woods, make sure you know these 5 rules for backcountry campfire safety.
1. Follow Restrictions and Rules
Before heading out on the trail, make sure you check the forest’s official website or ranger station for rules, restrictions and closings. This will tell you everything you need to know about bear canister and bear spray requirements, trail closures, permit requirements, campfire rules and fire danger levels. All of which are important to be aware of for a safe (and fine – free) trip in the woods.
Why Is This Important?
- Some campsites, areas, or forests do not allow fires. This may be due to fire danger, depleting resources, preservation efforts, or elevation. The reason elevation is a concern is because at those heights, vegetation can be pretty slow-growing. There are fewer trees and sticks to build a fire with. If everyone who came through built a fire, those resources would be picked over quickly and effect the growth of future vegetation and wildlife.
- Fire danger levels may result in temporary restrictions. Fire danger levels change throughout the year and from year to year. When the level is high, don’t build a campfire. Even if you know the ins and outs of campfire safety, resist the urge to build one. When fire danger is high, all it takes is a stray ember to create a huge problem. Relax in your hammock instead or hang out inside your tent if the bugs are driving you crazy.
2. Survey Your Surroundings Before Building a Fire
You spend time looking for a good place to set up your tent, make sure you are taking as much care in finding a spot for your fire. Even if the fire danger is low, you need to be smart about where you make your pit. Check these three factors:
- Check For Wind – When it comes to campfire safety, wind can be a major concern. A light breeze is nothing to be concerned about, but large gusts could be a hazard. Wind can help fuel the fire and cause it to spread more quickly. If it’s really windy, reconsider the fire.
- Check For Low Hanging Branches – Don’t forget to look up when finding a spot for your fire! Low hanging branches, especially ones with dry or dead leaves, can easily catch fire. Find a clear area without a lot of growth overhead.
- Check For Dry Brush, Bushes, or Long Grass – Clear a large area of all brush and grasses before setting up a fire. Dry vegetation can be a real hazard when it comes to campfire safety. Place your fire away from this growth or clear the area completely. At least 10 feet in diameter should be scraped away down to the soil.
3. Use An Established Pit When Available
Depending on the trail you’re hiking on, some of the campsites you stay at may have their own fire pit. When this is the case, use the fire pit rather than making your own even if it isn’t in the ideal location for you.
Why Is This Important?
- They’re Safer – A key point of campfire safety is making sure the fire is contained. Established fire pits are typically more effective at this than a makeshift one. A pit that is surrounded with metal or carefully places rocks help contain the fire. It also saves you a heck of a lot of work trying to gather the rocks and stones to make one yourself.
- It Limits Damage – When people use the same fire pit, it limits the amount of cleared-out and burnt-up areas in the forest. If everyone built a fire in a different spot, there will be a ton of little burn piles. This can really hurt the vegetation in the area.
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4. Keep Water (or Sand) Nearby
An important campfire safety tip – always be prepared to put the fire out. Have a jug of water handy in case things start to get out of hand. Be sure it is a good amount of water, too, because it can take quite a bit to put out a fire and you don’t want to be rushing to get more when you need it.
If you don’t have any water to spare, you can use sand or dirt. Make sure you have a large pile nearby that you can easily scoop onto the flames if needed. Sand is not as effective at putting out a fire as water, but it’s a great alternative when water is scarce. That way you can save the water to keep yourself hydrated.
5. Never Leave a Fire Unattended
The most important campfire safety rule is this one. Keeping an eye on a fire allows you to stomp out any stray embers or sparks that may fly out. It also allows you to put out the fire when it is still manageable. If you notice the fire is spreading when you can see it from afar, it is likely past the point of containment.
Make sure you plan ahead when adding sticks or logs to the fire. Keep it small and let the last log burn down before putting the fire out. It is easier to put out a dying fire than a still blazing one.
When you’re ready to go to bed, be sure to put the fire out entirely before leaving it.
How To Put Out A Fire
- Douse the fire with water (or sand)
- Cover with sand and stir it using a trowel or stick
- Continue to add water or sand and stir until embers are no longer lit
- Feel the area to make sure the material feels cool
Make sure the area has cooled before leaving. Smoky the Bear says “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave”… If anyone knows campfire safety, it’s Smoky.
Conclusion
Having a campfire at the end of a long day in the woods is a real treat. Enjoying a snack or a drink while warming your feet and drying out your socks is a backpacking comfort like no other.
An out of control campfire is relatively rare. But just like you should be prepared for an (unlikely) aggressive encounter with a mountain lion, you should be prepared for the potential dangers of a poorly managed campfire. Keep these 5 campfire safety tips in mind for your next trip and you’ll greatly reduce your chances of having a bad fire experience.
Cover photo by Timothy Meinberg on Unsplash
