Fire Safety Rules

When to use this

Every fire, every time. Read this before you strike a match.

• Any time you’re responsible for a campfire
• Briefing kids before a fire
• New campsite arrival check

What you need

• A water bucket or large bottle
• A shovel or trowel
• A clear 10-foot perimeter

Step by step

1. 1.Check the campground for current fire restrictions. If there’s a ban, do not light a fire — period.
2. 2.Use only the established fire ring or pit. Never build a new one on the ground.
3. 3.Clear a 10-foot circle around the ring. Move chairs, tents, and anything flammable out.
4. 4.Have a full water bucket and a shovel within arm’s reach before you light.
5. 5.Brief everyone present: no running near the fire, no leaning over it, no throwing anything in.
6. 6.Never leave a fire unattended. Even a minute is too long.

Pro tips

• Burn only locally sourced firewood — moving wood spreads invasive insects.
• A fire that crackles and pops is fine; one that sends embers flying needs a screen or to be dampened down.

Common mistakes

• Trusting that the wind won’t shift. It will.
• Leaving the fire to "go grab one thing." That’s how fires escape.