The Complete Campfire Safety Checklist for Gear & Setup

✅ 1. Know Before You Go: Check Local Fire Rules

Before striking a single match, research your campground or area’s current fire regulations. Conditions change fast — especially in dry regions.

Why it matters: Burn bans or high fire danger days can make campfires illegal, even in designated pits.

How to check:

  • Visit local forest service or park websites

  • Look for fire danger signs posted near campgrounds

  • Use apps like CalFire or ReadyForWildfire.org

“The most effective wildfire prevention tool is awareness.” — U.S. Forest Service

🪵 2. Use a Designated Fire Ring or Build Smart

If there’s an existing fire ring — use it. If not, and fires are allowed, choose a safe site on bare dirt or gravel, far from trees, grass, or flammable structures.

DIY fire pit basics:

  • Clear a 10-foot area around the fire

  • Dig a shallow pit and surround it with rocks

  • Avoid building under overhanging branches

“Keep it small, keep it contained, and keep it clean.” — Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Source: Leave No Trace: Fire Guidelines

🛠️ 3. Campfire Gear Checklist

Here’s what you should always have on hand when starting and maintaining a campfire:

  • ✅ Firestarter (matches, lighter, or fire steel)

  • ✅ Water bucket or full water bottles (minimum 1 gallon)

  • ✅ Shovel or trowel

  • ✅ Gloves for handling hot items

  • ✅ Firewood (preferably local to prevent invasive pests)

Pro Tip: Never use lighter fluid or gasoline. Stick with fire starter cubes or dry tinder.

“Fire is a tool — treat it with respect, and it’ll serve you well.” — Backpacker Magazine

Source: Backpacker: Fire Building Safety

🌬️ 4. Read the Wind: Avoid Building in Gusty Conditions

Wind can carry embers far beyond your fire ring — and ignite dry brush in seconds.

Safe fire rules:

  • Don’t build fires in strong winds

  • Shield flames with a windbreak (but not too close!)

  • Use smaller flames to reduce flying embers

Pro Tip: If your hat’s blowing off your head, it’s too windy for a fire.

“Wind turns a campfire from cozy to catastrophic in minutes.” — Smokey Bear

Source: Smokey Bear’s Campfire Safety Tips

🔥 5. Never Leave a Fire Unattended — Ever

This one’s simple: If no one is actively watching the fire, it needs to be out. Supervise children and pets around the fire at all times.

Why it matters: A single gust, branch, or spark can turn into a fast-moving blaze in your absence.

Pro Tip: Designate one adult as the “fire watcher” whenever the fire’s burning.

“The only safe unattended fire is one that’s completely out.” — U.S. National Park Service

💧 6. Extinguish the Fire Completely (Not Just Mostly)

A glowing bed of coals can reignite hours after it looks “dead.” Use the Drown-Stir-Feel method:

  1. Drown the fire with plenty of water — all embers, not just the flames

  2. Stir the ashes with a stick or shovel

  3. Feel with the back of your hand (carefully) to ensure no heat remains

Repeat until everything is cold to the touch.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have water, use dirt or sand — but stir thoroughly to smother embers.

“If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.” — Smokey Bear

Source: SmokeyBear.com Campfire Guidelines🧯 7. Pack Out Trash & Ash Responsibly

Only burn natural materials. Never toss plastic, cans, or trash into the fire — it releases toxins and creates unsafe leftovers.

Clean-up Tips:

  • Let ashes cool fully

  • Scatter cold ashes over a wide area (if allowed), or pack them out in a metal container

  • Take all unburned trash with you

“Leave no trace isn’t just a guideline — it’s a mindset.” — Leave No Trace Center