Always consider campfire guidelines

Camping is a fun outdoor activity that many people enjoy and can be an essential part of outdoor recreation, providing warmth, light, and a place to cook meals. It is important to remember that campfires can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some guidelines you should use when you are having a campfire:

• Check for fire restrictions: Before you start a campfire, it is important to check if there are any fire restrictions in the area you are camping in. These restrictions may be due to dry weather conditions, wind, or other fire danger.

• Choose a safe location: When choosing a location for your campfire, make sure it is at least 15 feet away from tents, trees, or any other flammable objects. Avoid starting a fire in windy conditions as the wind can easily spread the flames.

• Clear the area: Before starting a fire, make sure the area is cleared of any dry leaves, twigs, or other debris that could catch fire. Use a shovel or rake to clear the area. Clear at least 10 feet in each direction down to soil or gravel. Do not burn on top of peat.

• Use a fire pit or ring: If there is a designated fire pit or ring, use it to start your campfire. If there is no designated area, create a fire pit by digging a shallow hole and surrounding it with rocks. This will help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. Throwing rocks around a fire isn’t adequate.

• Keep a bucket of water nearby: Always keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case the fire gets out of control. You can use the water to extinguish the fire or to cool down any hot coals.

• Never leave the fire unattended: Never leave your campfire unattended. Even if you are just stepping away for a few minutes, it is important to have someone keep an eye on the fire. Make sure to fully extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the campsite.

• Do not burn trash: Do not burn trash or food waste in your campfire. This can produce harmful fumes and can also attract animals to your campsite. It also destroys what makes this place Alaska.

• Extinguish the fire properly: When you are ready to put out your campfire, use water to fully extinguish the flames. Pour water over the fire and stir the ashes with a shovel or stick to make sure all the embers are fully extinguished. Do not bury the fire as the embers can still be hot and start a fire.

But what happens if you notice someone who isn’t acting safely, or if you find an abandoned campfire? Don’t just ignore it! Your action can save lives and property, especially during the springtime when the leading cause of wildfire spread is the wind. Gusts can pick embers up from an abandoned fire and spread them to grass and dead trees many feet away from the fire itself, and these wind-driven fires grow rapidly. According to the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, over half of fires are caused by humans and 60-75% of those wildfires are created by campfires and open debris burning.

Take action immediately!

• Assess the Situation. Is the fire still burning, or has it been extinguished? Is there any smoke or steam coming from the fire pit? Can you safely act, or do you need to dial 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay a needed phone call.

• Extinguish the Fire. To extinguish the fire, pour water over the flames and embers until the fire is completely out. Stir the ashes and embers with a shovel or stick to make sure there are no hot spots. Keep pouring water until the ashes are cool to the touch.

• Remove Any Debris. Once the fire is out, remove any debris from the fire pit, such as sticks, leaves, or paper. This will help prevent the fire from reigniting.

• Notify the Authorities. If you find an abandoned campfire in a designated campground, notify the campground host or park ranger. If there isn’t one, or the call is outside of a campground, you can call 9-1-1 for any active fire or you can call the non-emergency number at 907-352-5401. You can also call Alaska Division of Forestry’s Palmer dispatch center at 907-761-6311. Do not call the local fire department directly; they cannot self-dispatch to the call and every fire report has to go through the dispatch.

Campfires are a tradition, a gathering point, and common. But as the well-known adage from the forest’s wisest bruin tells us: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.