eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.
Forest rangers typically work for the state or federal government, and their duties revolve around protecting and conserving forest land. Most forest rangers work in rural locations, but some state and national forests are relatively close to an urban area. Although people often think of a ranger as living a solitary life, traveling... more »
Natural disasters and other major events have the potential to cause problems with the supply of electricity to your home. Here's how you can prepare for power disruption. more »
So, you have decided to spend a week backpacking in the wilderness. Camping out in the woods for seven days takes preparation and planning. Here, you can learn the basics to take a week long backpacking trip. more »
Custer State Park is located in western South Dakota in the heart of the Black Hills. Park accommodations include campsites with or without electricity, cabins and resorts. The park is open year-round. more »
A walk in the woods can open your eyes to all the wonders of nature, but backpacking and hiking treks require careful planning and a respect for all the dangers you might encounter. Plan to hike with a group, it will make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Practice the skills you will need on the trail at home before you really need... more »
This campground setting is serene, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. There are...
Have you ever wanted to plan a camping trip, but just weren't sure where to start? Check out our...
Campfires have been used since humans discovered how to start fires. They seem not only to kindle warmth but also stories for campers or those... more »
Even though a relaxing campfire at the end of a day in the woods is the perfect end to the day, you can spice it up by adding some colorful flames... more »
It's important to take fire safety measures with campfires and grills. We usually camp and grill in the summertime, when the surrounding... more »
Camping is a popular summer travel activity for people worldwide. It's an economical, easy escape, but lighting fires for warmth and cooking can... more »
In a survival situation, all members of the party should gather fuel for a fire immediately. You need to build signal fires and keep them going as... more »
A campfire is a fire lit at a campsite, usually in a fire ring. Campfires are a popular feature of camping, particularly among organized campers such as Scouts or Guides. Without proper precautions they are also potentially dangerous. A certain degree of skill is needed to properly build a campfire, to keep it going, and to see that it is properly extinguished. In some regions it is called a bonfire.
The dangers
A campfire may burn out of control in two basic ways: on the ground or in the trees. Dead leaves or pine needles on the ground may ignite from direct contact with burning wood, or from thermal radiation. Alternatively, airborne embers (or their smaller kin, sparks) may ignite dead material in overhanging branches. This latter threat is less likely, but a fire in a branch will be virtually impossible to put out without firefighting equipment, and may spread more quickly than a ground fire. Hence, many campgrounds include fire rings to prevent this from occurring.
Embers may simply fall off of logs and be carried away by the air, or they may be ejected at high speed by exploding pockets of sap. With these dangers in mind, some places prohibit all open fires, particularly during times of the year that are prone to wildfires.
Campfires are prohibited in many public camping areas. Public areas with large tracts of woodland usually have signs indicating the level of fire danger, which usually depends on recent rain and the amount of deadfalls or dry debris; when the danger is highest, all open fires are prohibited. Even in safer times, it is common to require registration and permits to build a campfire. Such areas are often kept under observation by rangers, who will dispatch someone to investigate any unidentified plume of smoke.
Finding a site, and other safety measures
Ideally, in a fire ring. If a fire ring is not available, a temporary fire site may be constructed. One way is to cover the ground with sand, or other read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campfire
Connect with people who share your interest by joining one of our Groups:
How to Identify Symptoms of a Pathological Liar
How to cancel an America Online (AOL) account
How to Feed Sheep
How to Be Prepared for a Plumbing Emergency
How to Stop a Shopaholic
How to Put Together a Designer Clothing Collection - Tips from Project Runway
Roof Repair Guide
Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
