If your family is headed off on a camping trip anytime soon, the chances are high that you will be building a campfire or two during your adventure. You may know the basics about fully extinguishing the fire at the end of the night and making sure someone is always watching over the it, but you also need to choose the right spot, use the right type of wood, and avoid a few potential problems.
Look for a clear, safe spot and rely on local firewood
Whether you are picking your own spot or using something predetermined at your campsite, scope out the area carefully before lighting your first match. Real Simple points out that the chosen area needs to be free of debris, loose dirt, and anything flammable. Examine the spot for low-hanging tree branches or tree roots, as you want to stay clear of those. Avoid tall grasses and heavy brush, as well.
Campers often wonder whether they should bring their own firewood or not. REI recommends using only local firewood so you don’t bring any new insects or diseases into the area by using wood from a different area. Aim to buy wood from someplace within 10 miles or so of your campsite if possible. If you can’t buy any firewood at the campground office or a nearby store, you’ll need to forage for some yourself.
Never break or cut off branches from trees to use in your campfire. This rule applies to both live and dead trees, since insects and birds often use dead trees for shelter. Instead, look for wood on the ground. The best choices will be about the diameter of your wrist and sticks or branches you can break with your hands, as you want wood that will easily burn to ash.
Keep fires free of items that could cause problems
What are some of the things you should avoid with your campfires? Do not burn your camp trash in the fire. Many sites forbid this entirely, since toxins can be released from many burning items and it is easy for embers to fly and cause problems elsewhere. It is a bad idea to burn leftover food scraps too, as they may not fully burn down and the scraps can attract unwelcome wildlife.
If you plan to cook over your campfire, consider the types of food you plan to use. For example, greasy, fatty foods can cause problems when cooked directly over a fire as drippings can cause flare-ups. Save foods that need frying or oil for other times and focus on campfire-friendly options instead. Also, you should avoid using plastic or rubber cooking utensils, as they can melt. Instead, use metal pans, pots, and utensils.
Don’t go sky-high with your flames
It is also important to keep your fire under control. As enticing and exciting as it may be to build a big blaze, Love the Outdoors points out that you should keep your campfire a reasonable size, building it only as big as you need. In addition, avoid trying to take anything out of the fire or tossing unnecessary objects in as the flames are flickering in order to avoid burns and sparks.
Campfires are an essential part of many family’s camping trips, but they can be dangerous if not managed properly. Find a suitable spot for your fire and rely on local, moderately-sized pieces of wood that will fully burn down. Avoid burning trash, food, or other unnecessary objects in the fire and don’t let its size get out of control. Many great family memories are built around campfires, and some simple precautions can ensure those memories are positive ones.