Keep your family, friends, and the environment safe by following these rules to ensure campfire safety.
Keep your family, friends, and the environment safe by following these rules to ensure campfire safety.
Consider Your Surroundings
The first step to ensure campfire safety is choosing the right location. Some spots are much more dangerous than other once the campfire gets going. For example, check to make sure that there are no trees with low-hanging branches directly above where the flames would reach. The fire should also be clear of any brush and bushes that could spark and cause an uncontrollable blaze. The radius between the fire and any other structures should be between 8 to 10 feet.
Clear the Area
If you’re using an established fire pit at a campground or park, take some safety measures before starting your own. First, be sure to clear the area of any leftover garbage and other debris that may have been left in the area and blown over by the wind. Establish a five-foot perimeter of soil around the pit if there isn’t one already. Also, if the pit doesn’t have a metal ring, use rocks to encircle it to help contain the size of the fire.
Have Water on Hand
Although you’re going to take every safety measure that you should and clear the area of all hazards, fires are still unpredictable things. Be sure to keep water handy in case of an emergency. A gust of wind or one branch too many can cause the fire to spread beyond your control. Water, dirt, and a shovel are the tools and materials you’ll need to put out a large blaze quickly.
Keep an Eye on It
Never turn your back on a campfire. You’ll probably be having fun and enjoying the company of your friends and family, but someone must always have eyes on the fire to make sure that it doesn’t grow to an out-of-control size. In addition to watching the fire, you should also keep an eye on children and pets to make sure that they remain a safe distance away from the flames.
Put the Fire Out
Never leave the campground with the fire still lit. Make sure that you put it out completely before you go to bed or before you leave the campground or park. Stir the embers with your shovel to make sure that the fire won’t restart.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience in designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.