A safely made campfire in a large forest

Campfires are a fun summer tradition for many, but campfires are not all fun and games. Without proper supervision and rules, a campfire can go from something fun to something dangerous quickly. Go through the following list each time you have a campfire to ensure that it remains a safe activity for all.

Starting a Campfire:

  • Utilize a pit. Never build a campfire on free grass.
  • Look around the area where you are going to start a fire and make sure it is not too dry. Embers or ash can be potentially hazardous on dry areas.
  • Know what the fire risk is in your area.
  • Throw matches into the fire or douse them with water after they are used.
  • Use the minimum amount of lighter fluid necessary to get fire started and store safely after use. Advise those sitting around the fire to take a step back until lighter fluid has been lit properly.

Once the Campfire Is Lit:

  • Keep water handy.
  • Maintain a safe distance from your fire.
  • Never leave the fire unattended.
  • Do not let the fire get too big or it can become uncontrolled.

Putting Out the Campfire:

  • Drown the campfire with water.
  • Mix the ashes and embers with soil and water to make sure everything is wet.
  • Check the campsite for sparks or embers.
  • Wait until everything cools down before leaving the fire pit, if heat is still coming from the coals or ashes.

General Rules and Best Practices:

  • Wear shoes around a campfire.
  • Keep anything flammable away from the fire.
  • Avoid campfires if you are intoxicated.
  • Maintain a distance between your campfire and your house, garage or anything else that could be damaged by smoke, heat or an uncontrolled fire.
  • Note the wind direction.
  • Remain cautious of children around campfires.
  • ALWAYS put out a campfire.

By following these tips, Hupy and Abraham is confident that you and your family will have a fun and safe summer. But in the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is injured while participating in a summer activity, due to the negligence of someone else, please contact Hupy and Abraham. Call 800-800-5678 for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation today.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.