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If you're new to camping, follow these campfire safety tips to safely build a campfire without worrying about starting a wildfire or getting injured!
Whether you're camping in the backyard or out in the wilderness, a campfire is a great way to make memories. It also provides warmth and comfort, as well as a place to cook food and socialize with friends. But before you build that fire, take some time to learn about campfire safety. After all, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with fire. And learning about campfire safety will ensure that everyone has fun in the outdoors while staying safe.
Related: A Beginner’s Guide To Campsite Set-Up
In this blog post, we will discuss 7 tips on how to make a campfire safely. We'll explain what each of these tips means, and give some examples to help illustrate them. We'll also highlight some of the most important safety precautions to take when building and using a campfire. So, whether you're a seasoned camper or just getting started, be sure to read on for some essential campfire safety tips!
Here are 7 campfire safety tips for beginners:
#1 Choose an open area for your campfire
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The first campfire safety tip is to always build your campfire in an open area. This means that you should never build a campfire in a closed-in space, such as under a tree or next to a building. Not only can this start a fire, but it can also create dangerous conditions for the people camping near the fire. A good rule is to never build near anything that could catch on fire or provide fuel to keep everything safe during use.
You should leave at least ten feet of clearance on all sides of the campfire, and be especially careful not to let the flames come too close to anything else nearby. If you're camping with others, make sure there's plenty of space between each campfire. This will help prevent them from spreading out of control and becoming dangerous wildfires.
Note: Always read the park's regulations before building a fire.
#2 Get the right firewood
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To get a great campfire going, you will need to find the right kind of wood. There are many different types out there but keep in mind that dead or downed logs work best because they're dry and easy to ignite with just one match! When building your campfire, make sure that the logs are arranged in a teepee-style formation. This will help the fire to burn more evenly and prevent it from spreading too quickly.
If gathering your own firewood isn't an option for whatever reason then don’t cut down live trees. This could result in severe fines from state officials (who really hate seeing people mistreat nature). Carrying your own firewood is the best way to make sure that you don't ruin any landscape, deplete native habitat or disturb the wildlife when collecting outside.
Related: Green Camping: 7 Tips For An Eco-Friendly Camping Trip
#3 Avoid using flammable liquid or fuel
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The next tip is to avoid using flammable liquids such as gasoline when starting your campfire - this can create a dangerous situation very quickly. A much safer way to start a campfire is by using matches or a lighter. You can also find plenty of natural materials that will work like tinder, such as dry grass, leaves, or bark. Gather up a few handfuls of tinder and set it aside. Next, you'll need some kindling. Twigs and branches work well as kindling.
In addition, flaming fuel also increases the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning because these are odorless gases that false flames will never indicate on their own. So before you head out on your next camping trip, make sure you know how to build a safe campfire using only natural materials.
Related: How to build a campfire?
#4 Keep a bucket of water/sand for emergencies
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One of the most important campfire safety tips is to make sure you have a bucket of water or sand in case an emergency arises. In the event that your campfire gets out of control, you'll need something to put it out with. A bucket of water or sand will do the trick. You never know when something might go wrong, and being prepared can save your life! It may seem like common sense but we’ve seen more than enough times where people were unprepared for any emergency situation and paid dearly as result!
Related: 7 Ways To Put Out Fire During Emergencies
#5 Never leave campfire unattended
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Never leave your campfire unattended even for a short period of time. This campfire safety tip is especially important if you have children with you, as they may be tempted to get too close to the fire or even play with it. Always make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished before leaving the area. This means dousing the flames with water and stirring until there are no embers left. You can then spread out the ashes so that they will cool faster.
#6 Don't let your children get distracted
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Imagine this: you're out camping with your family, and after a long day of hiking and playing in the woods, you build a nice campfire to roast marshmallows and tell stories around. Your kids are excited to help gather sticks and set up the chairs. But as the fire gets going, they get more and more curious about how it works. Before long, they're right up against the flames, poking at them and trying to get a better look. This is when things can go wrong quickly!
There's nothing more dangerous than a child playing with fire! So make sure your children are always aware of their surroundings when around the campfire. When you are around the campfire, keep children away from the fire. The best way to do this is to create a designated kids' area that is far away from the fire. Instruct children not to touch the fire. And most importantly, teach them about fire safety and what to do if they see a fire get out of control. You can read this blog post for information on how to make campfires safe for kids.
#7 Put the campfire out completely before leaving
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The last campfire safety tip is to make sure that the campfire is completely out before leaving the area. This means that you should douse the campfire with water until there is no more heat coming off of it. You can then stir the ashes around with a stick to make sure they're all wet and finally pour more water on top. Leave the area for at least an hour to ensure that the campfire is completely out.
Conclusion
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Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, it's important to be aware of the dangers posed by campfires and take precautions to stay safe. So follow these campfire safety tips to stay safe while you're out camping. By being smart and taking precautions, you can avoid any unwanted accidents. Hope you found these tips helpful and have a great time camping!
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