How to Prevent Wild Fires While Camping

How to Prevent Wildfires While Camping

With the recent droughts, wildfires have become a serious concern. If fact, the drought has become so severe in some areas that campfires have been banned completely.

I always think of Smokey the Bear when I think about wildfires. Between Smokey and my father, I have learned a few tips that will help you to do your part to prevent wildfires.

Smokey Says, “Designated Area Only”:
Most campgrounds will have a designated area for your fire located on every site. This can be a steel ring or simply a row of rocks. Use it! If the there is not a ring on your site, then build your own using rocks on the ground, or dig a fire pit with your shovel. Build your fire pit a minimum of 15 or 20 feet away from trees, brush, and your tent or RV.

Smokey Says, “Keep it Small”:
No need to try and keep up with the Jones family when it comes to campfires. A small fire is equally enjoyable as a giant bonfire. And when it comes time for the marshmallows and hot dogs, you won’t burn your eyebrows off just trying to reach the coals.

Smokey Says, “No Trash Allowed”:
Don’t burn trash in your fire. Paper plates and newspapers can easily drift up from the fire pit. Once airborne, these paper embers may be blown into the brush. You won’t even realize that you have started a major fire until it is too late.

Smokey Says, “Put it Out”:
Let your fire burn down for the final 30 minutes of your evening. Before leaving the embers unattended, you must ensure that the red hot coals are completely burned out.
Use a pail of water to completely extinguish the coals. You would be surprised how long the embers will remain hot; if you don’t use the water, the coals will still be hot when you awake the next morning. As a final step, use your shovel to cover the coals with dirt.

The History of Smokey Bear:
In an effort to promote wildfire prevention, in 1944 the U.S. government created an ad campaign using Smokey to send the message.  A real-life bear cub survived a wildfire in New Mexico in 1950. He was injured in the fire but was nursed back to health at the Washington Zoo. He became the mascot that made Smoky a legend.

Listen to Smokey:
If we listen to Smokey, we can all do our part to prevent wildfires. One of the worst wildfire disasters in history was the 1910 fire in Montana & Idaho which consumed more than 3 million acres and caused 86 casualties. You don’t want to be remembered as the careless camper who starts the next fire. Listen to Smokey and practice campfire safety.