A campfire almost epitomises the ideal of outdoor living – it immediately conjures up images of good company around glowing embers with big, thick woollen cardigans and large glasses of red wine, or whatever your tipple may be… But in these days of health and safety, and let’s not underplay it’s importance – brush fires can so easily take hold if due care and responsibility is not used, has the reality of this wonderful image disappeared?
Well, no!
In fact, as long as you follow sensible guidelines there are still plenty of campsites that allow campfires, but just what do/should you do?
Firstly, do check that where you are staying allows fires (there’s a link below to a really helpful website). Many of these will have fire bowls or pits you can use or hire. Never start a fire on grass!
Do go appropriately prepared befprehand.
Do start small – better to have a small fire that you can build up than starting out with a sprawling one that fizzles!
Do make sure you choose your spot carefully – avoid any nearby trees or bushes which may have low hanging branches. Also do make sure it’s a fair distance away from anything flammable – your tent, and gas canisters or bottles
Do have a go the boy-scout way – start with a few small twigs and set them up in a wigwam shape. Light them with matches or a magnifying glass, OK or a lighter!mage by hodgers via Flickr
Do add larger sticks gradually and with care not to disrupt the ongoing fire – sparks may literally fly.
Image by Murky1 via Flickr
Do be aware of the weather conditions, especially if it’s likely to be windy.
Do have items close by to put your fire out – plenty of water*, sand or dirt, a shovel, a fire extinguisher even.
Do make sure any younger folk know the “Stop, Drop, Roll” technique – better to be prepared.
Do make sure your fire is completely out before retiring for the evening. Ideally you want it to have reduced down to ashes, but it can be surprising how long embers can flicker away, so if you are going to bed or leaving your fire for any reason, douse the fire with enough water to be certain that it is completely out. My personal word of caution here would be to remember that water and hot flames create steam, so do be careful! When the flames have died down, pour on more water. Stir the fire around gently with the shovel to make sure all of the wood or coals are covered. Keep pouring water on until it has stopped hissing and smoking. Add more water. Make sure everything is cold and soaked through – you can’t be too careful eh?! And check any rocks or such nearby to make sure they aren’t hot, in fact, douse them with water as well… fire can smolder away under rocks. Check around for any fly away sparks or embers and soak these too.
Do dispose of the ashes properly – your site will have advice on their own preferences for this.
So, that’s the “do’s”….
Don’ts
Don’t forget the marshmallows (which co-incidentally are included in Dylan’s goodie bag)!!
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=4 – campsites which allow fires.
Obviously this is not an exhaustive guide and do check with your site warden on any specific rules they may have.
Oh and if you’ve got any tips, please do leave them here 