Campfire Safety: Cool the Coals
| DO | DON’T |
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| Build your fire in a designated ring/pit at least 15 feet away (preferably downwind from tent, brush, and other flammable objects). | Use an accelerant such as gasoline, kerosene, or aerosol sprays to start a fire. |
| Keep children at a safe distance with a “circle of safety” at least 3 feet from the fire edge. | Leave a fire unattended – EVER! |
| Keep the fire small and manageable, with water nearby. | Throw anything other than wood into the fire. |
| Talk to children about campfire safety. | Build a fire if conditions are dry or if forest fire danger is High |
| Completely extinguish the fire and coals by pouring water, stirring, and pouring water again until it is cool. Never bury a fire. | Assume the fire pit is safe when arriving at a campsite. Coals from previous campers can still be hot!
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The Facts
- 70% of Campfire burns are caused by embers rather than flames.
- Fire pits retain heat up to 12 hours after being extinguished ‐ hot enough to cause a severe burn.
- Humans cause nine of every ten wildfires. Make sure campfires are permitted in your area.
The FixShould a burn injury occur…
- STOP, DROP & ROLL if clothing catches fire.
- Cool the burn with COOL (not cold) water.
- Remove all clothing and jewelry from the injured area.
- Cover the area with clean dry sheet or bandages.
- Seek medical attention.