Campfires can be great fun because they bring family and friends together; however, if you're not careful, campfire mishaps can cause serious injuries and even wildfires. In fact, most wildfires in the U.S. are caused by irresponsible campfire use. Our goal is to provide you with the information necessary to help you enjoy a campfire responsibly.

Before You Get started

• Check campfire restrictions. Even if a campground normally allows campfires, there could be fire restrictions in effect (such as during dry or windy conditions).
• Check if a fire permit is needed. Fire permits are typically required for the use of campfires and portable gas stoves on public lands (i.e., U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management). You can get a fire permit at www.burnpermit.fire.ca.gov.
• Bring a water source, bucket, and shovel. Before you head out, make sure you bring a water source, bucket, and shovel to your campsite. This will allow you to quickly and safely put out a fire.
  

Building A CAMPFIRE

• Build your campfire in a designated fire ring if possible. Designated campfire rings are made with high walls to reduce the spread of embers.
  
• If you're making your own campfire ring, build away from flammable materials. If there's no existing fire pit and campfires are allowed, choose a site that's protected from wind gusts and located at least 25 feet from tents, shrubs, trees, or other flammable objects. Beware of low-hanging branches. Clear a 10-foot diameter area around your campfire spot by removing leaves, grass, and anything burnable down to the dirt. Circle the pit with rocks. Stones hold heat and block the wind.
• Check wood gathering restrictions. If foraging is allowed, gather only downed wood. Never cut whole trees or branches (dead or alive). Birds and wildlife often make use of dead branches and snags. If foraging is not allowed, use local firewood. Nearby stores and campground hosts often carry firewood.
• Ignite the campfire with a match or lighter. Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to light a campfire.

Maintaining a Campfire 

• Keep your campfire small. This will make it easier to control.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. A responsible adult should supervise the campfire at all times. If you plan to be away from your site for an extended period, fully extinguish your campfire.
• Make sure children and pets are supervised near the fire. Never let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire. Watch children while the fire is burning.
• Never put anything but wood into the fire. Burn trash items only if they can be fully consumed by fire and turned to ash. Do not attempt to burn plastic, cans, or foil. Don’t burn dangerous items like aerosol cans, aluminum cans, or other pressurized containers. They could explode and create harmful fumes or dust.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Sudden wind gusts can blow sparks into vegetation outside your cleared area, causing unexpected fires. If it becomes too windy, you should put out the campfire.

Putting out a Campfire

• Extinguish a campfire before leaving your campsite or going to bed.
  
• Use the “drown, stir, and feel” method to put out a fire.
  • Drown: Drown the fire with water. Pour water until the hissing sound stops.
  • Stir: Stir around the fire area with your shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. Be sure to turn wood and coals over and wet all sides. Move some dirt onto the fire site and mix thoroughly to fully smother it.
  • Feel: Feel the area with the back of your hand to ensure nothing is still smoldering. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

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