Over 55,000 wildfires burned over two million acres in 2023, in the US alone. Although rising temperatures make fires spread faster, there’s one shocking statistic we can’t ignore. Humans are responsible for starting over 85 percent of wildfires, and that includes campers who simply want to enjoy nature.
Starting a wildfire that tears through countless acres is the worst-case scenario, but a campfire left unattended for a second or a camping stove knocked over can wreak havoc. Want to stay safe? Read these tips and apply them every time.
Campfire Safety Essentials
Campfires are cozy and practical, but they also pose risks. Always use a designated fire pit or fire ring where available. If not, portable fire rings aren’t just the safest option (because they’re elevated and away from dry vegetation), but they’re also supremely convenient. Building a fire pit out of a ring of rocks can be very safe, but it’s your option of last resort.
Regardless of the option you use, always take the time to clear any debris from the fire site, including dry vegetation, leaves, and anything else that could catch fire.
Beyond that, follow these fire safety rules:
- Never leave your campfire unattended. Fire catches faster than you may think. Don’t assume it can’t happen because you were responsible and cleared away debris.
- Always keep a large water bottle or bucket of water near your fire, so you can extinguish it quickly whenever necessary.
- Don’t leave dying campfires to extinguish themselves. Make sure they are completely out by throwing a bucket of water over them.
- Use wood no thicker than your wrist to ensure the campfire doesn’t last too long, and so that it’s easier to extinguish.
Finally, and this is very important, NEVER START FIRES IN AREAS WHERE THEY’RE NOT ALLOWED. The regulations exist for a reason.
While not strictly related to fire safety, make sure to only choose dead twigs and branches that you find on the ground. Don’t cut dead branches from trees, because they’re often habitats for local wildlife.
Outdoor Cooking Safety
Cooking your food makes your camping trip much more exciting, but it’s critical to be mindful of the risks. We advise:
- Using a sturdy table as a steady surface for your camping stove, rather than placing it on the ground. This puts distance between your camping stove and any dry vegetation.
- Always remember to remove any flammable items (like toilet paper, kitchen towels, and so on) from the vicinity before lighting your camping stove.
- Don’t step away from your camping stove while it’s on.
- Camping pans tend to get hot very fast. Always come prepared with a towel or oven glove to avoid burns.
Outdoor cooking safety is mostly common sense, but it’s always prudent to remember that the outdoor environment is significantly less predictable than your home kitchen. A gust of wind can cause unsecured items to blow toward your camping stove, for example. Be extra careful, and you should be good to go.
We generally recommend against using alcohol-powered camping stoves, because they’re simply too effective. In other words, things get heated far too quickly. Choose butane or propane stoves instead.
Keep up with the famous “Leave no trace” line which you can also read much more about in our article about Environmental Camping Tips for Preserving Nature.
Stay Up to Date About the Fire Risk
Forewarned is forearmed, and the fastest way to stay safe in the face of a fire is not to light any fires at all. When camping in the United States, keep a close eye on the National Fire Danger Rating System, brought to you by the USDA and Forest Service.
These ratings estimate how fast a fire could spread in case of accidents. These ratings often determine whether you’re allowed to start a fire at all, but even if campfires are permitted, you can use this system to make an informed judgment about the dangers involved.
Tracking the AirNow Fire and Smoke map, which shows the sites of active fires across the US, is another great thing to do. Knowing where fires are currently blazing enables you to evacuate quickly, should that become necessary.
Don’t Smoke
Too many wildfires have been started by people carelessly discarding lit cigarettes in the past. It’s best not to smoke at all while camping. If you’re addicted to nicotine, vaping is now a commonplace alternative to cigarettes. While this is no place to get into its pros and cons, it’s quite clear that vaping can help you avoid accidentally setting your local forest on fire — which makes it a winning way to consume nicotine while camping.
If you do use cigarettes, stick to designated smoking areas and always, always, make sure your cigarettes are completely extinguished before appropriately discarding them.
A Word About Magnifying Glasses
Some campers want to test their survival skills in the wild, and they might feel tempted to try to get a fire started by reflecting sunlight through a magnifying glass. This is extremely dangerous. If there’s dry vegetation (like dead leaves or grass) nearby, you could start a fire that spreads rather rapidly. Just don’t do it.
Here are 6 Quick Tips To Safely Start Your Campfire
- Teepee Method: Gather small, dry sticks and arrange them in a cone or teepee shape over a small pile of tinder such as dry leaves, grass, or paper. Light the tinder from the bottom, allowing the flames to catch the kindling. As the fire grows, continue adding larger sticks in a teepee formation around the initial flames.
- Log Cabin Method: Begin by stacking medium-sized logs in a square or rectangular shape, leaving space in the center for tinder. Place your Tinder in the center and light it. As the fire catches, the logs will ignite from the inside out due to the airflow between them.
- Upside-Down Fire: Start with the largest logs or branches on the bottom of your fire pit, stacking them parallel to each other. Add progressively smaller pieces of wood on top, layering them in a crisscross pattern until you reach the top. Place your tinder on top of the stack and light it. The fire will burn downward, igniting the larger pieces first.
- Dakota Fire Hole: Dig a small hole about a foot deep and another tunnel leading into it for airflow. Place your tinder and kindling at the bottom of the hole. Light the tinder, and the fire will draw in oxygen through the tunnel, burning hot with minimal smoke.
- Fire Starter Cubes or Gel: Firestarter cubes or gel are convenient and easy to use. Simply place one under your kindling and light it. These starters burn for several minutes, providing ample time for your kindling to catch fire. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
- Dryer Lint and Egg Cartons: Collect dryer lint and stuff it into each compartment of an empty cardboard egg carton. Pour melted wax over the lint-filled compartments and let it cool. Cut the carton into individual compartments, each containing a lint starter. When ready to use, simply light the edge of the egg carton compartment with the lint, and it will ignite easily, providing a steady flame to catch your kindling.
Remember to always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby and follow all safety guidelines and regulations when starting a campfire.
