Fire Bowl Safety
When you think of camping fun, many of the first activities that come to mind are fire-related. Making s'mores, singing around the fire, toasting marshmallows, cooking dinner, or simply relaxing after a long day at camp are great pastimes around a fire. However, fires can be quite dangerous, particularly for children. Fire bowl safety is foundational to any camping trip.
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A Safe Fire Bowl Setting
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Organized campgrounds generally offer ready-made fire bowl areas, but if you need to set up your own, follow these simple guidelines. Choose a place that is level, clear of overhanging branches, and away from activity areas. Dig a pit for the fire that is slightly larger than the fire you plan to build. Surround your pit with large rocks or a metal fire ring. Clear an area at least 6 feet around the pit of brush, leaves, and other debris, leaving smooth dirt. Place seating for the fire bowl at least 6 feet away from the fire pit. Stack firewood, sorted by size, at least 10 feet away from the fire pit. Make sure buckets of water, a shovel, and a rake are readily available.
Personal Safety Rules
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All persons working near or with a fire need to follow basic safety rules. Long hair must be tied back. Loose-fitting or dangling clothing must be secured. Be especially watchful about rain ponchos, since these can burst into flames. There is to be no running or horseplay within the fire bowl area.
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Fire Safety Rules
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All campfires should be overseen by at least one adult. Never leave a fire unattended. One person should be designated as "in charge" of the fire and responsible for giving others permission to approach to help with building, tending or cooking. People not directly working with the fire should come no closer than the seating provided. Burn only wood, and do not use accelerants.
Fire Bowl Etiquette
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All participants must listen to the person in charge of the fire. Set up a defined place for hot items, such as marshmallow forks, pie irons, or sticks used to shift coals. Members of the audience at the fire bowl should refrain from shining flashlights at fire tenders or performers in the fire pit area.
Putting Out the Fire Safely
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Fires should never be left unattended to simply burn themselves out. Instead, put the fire out correctly and safely when the group is finished using it. To put a fire out safely, move large, partially-burnt pieces of wood to the sides of the fire pit with a rake or shovel. Do not pour water on the fire, because this produces clouds of steam and ash that can be dangerous, and also makes restarting the fire later difficult for others. Instead, sprinkle handfuls of water on the coals, stir the area with a rake, shovel in dirt or sand if it's available, then repeat the process. Continue putting out live embers until no more red glow can be seen and smoke has decreased significantly. Be sure to stir embers between every step, and watch for hot embers that need to be extinguished.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Campfire image by Stanislav Davydov from Fotolia.com
