Campfires and camping go together as naturally as kids and s’mores. But knowing how to build a fire and keep it burning responsibly is all part of keeping yourself, others, and our natural lands safe.

Check the rules.

The first rules to know before you light up your campfire are those of the campground or wild area where you plan to build your fire. Fire safety conditions change often based on weather and other factors that can prohibit or limit fires at specific times. It’s important to know the rules and regulations before you strike a match.

Use the pit.

In most campgrounds you’ll find a fire pit or ring that serves as your designated campfire location. If you’re camping in an area without a ring, you can create one yourself by digging a pit in an open area away from overhanging branches, dead grasses, pine straw, or other hazards that may catch fire. Once dug, circle the pit with rocks and keep a 10-foot space around the pit clear of flammable things such as tents, sleeping bags, pads and other materials.

Keep it small. Keep it safe.

Whether building your fire in a designated pit or one you’ve constructed, start with dried leaves or grasses that are easy to burn. Next, add kindling – small sticks or branches less than an inch in diameter. Now slowly add larger wood pieces with the largest going on last to keep your fire burning into the night. Remember that your fire does not need to be raging to produce enough heat for cooking or warmth.

Don’t toss the match.

When you start your fire with a match, remember to discard the match properly. The easiest thing to do is simply drop it into the fire ring once lit. You can also pour water over the match or snuff it out in moist dirt to make sure it’s completely extinguished. 

Burn local.

Trees often play hosts to diseases and tree-killing insects that can live in the wood long after the tree is dead. Taking this wood from one area to another promotes the spread of these insects and diseases, introducing them to areas where they may not yet be present. By burning local firewood purchased from a nearby store or directly from the campground helps limit this spread and protects our natural resources.

Keep water close.

To ensure a safe campfire experience, always have water and a shovel nearby to douse flames or throw dirt on any embers that fall outside the perimeter of your ring. You can also water the ground around your fire for added protection.

Watch the wind.

Make sure to avoid building a fire if wind conditions are gusty or unpredictable. Even a small breeze can spread flames and embers quickly and lead to a dangerous situation. To help keep your site safe, make sure firewood, leaves, tents, clothing, chairs, and other flammable materials are kept 10-15 feet away from the flames.

Stay alert.

There are few images more memorable than children making s’mores around a cozy campfire. But that same moment can turn dangerous if they aren’t taught proper fire safety. Campfires are the leading cause of camping injuries to children in the United States. It’s important to teach your child about potential dangers and how to effectively stop, drop and roll if their clothing ever catches fire. Always watch children and pets around campfires to avoid injury. 

Never leave it unattended.

An unattended fire is a dangerous fire. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, the smallest breeze can spread fire quickly and lead to a dangerous situation beyond your control. Even if you’re just going for a quick hike, always extinguish your fire completely before you hit the trial and start another when you return. 

Put it out before you turn in.

Before you call it a night, be sure your campfire is completely extinguished. Pour water over the flames and coals, stir them with a stick or shovel, and add more water until the pit is cold. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave unattended. Soak any remaining logs with water and check to see that no smoldering ashes are around the pit where they could easily reignite.