5 Campfire Safety Tips to Help Prevent Forest Fires
Campfire safety tips matter every time you light a fire outdoors.
A campfire can turn a regular campsite into the best part of the trip, but without the right precautions, it can also create serious risk.
According to the U.S. National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by people. A few extra steps at your campsite can make a big difference.
Whether you’re camping in the backcountry, a campground, or setting up beside your vehicle, these campfire tips help protect forests, trails, and the places we all enjoy.
1. Choose a Safe Campfire Location
Where you build your fire matters just as much as how you manage it.
Choose a location that already has an established fire ring whenever possible. If one isn’t available, make sure your site has:
• Access to water nearby
• At least six feet of open space around the fire
• At least ten feet of overhead clearance
Avoid low branches, dry grass, tents, or gear too close to the fire.
A small change in wind direction can send sparks farther than expected.
2. Clear the Area Before Lighting
Preparing the fire area is one of the easiest campfire safety tips people skip.
Before lighting anything, clear the surrounding ground of:
• Leaves
• Dry pine needles
• Sticks
• Brush
• Loose debris
Use bare dirt or rock whenever possible.
Keep a bucket of water nearby, and if possible, a shovel. The National Interagency Fire Center recommends always having a way to fully extinguish your fire before leaving.
3. Keep Campfires Small
A bigger fire is rarely a better fire.
Keeping your campfire under one metre high and one metre wide makes it easier to manage, safer for cooking, and much simpler to extinguish.
Smaller fires also:
• Use less wood
• Create fewer sparks
• Reduce the risk of spread
• Leave less impact behind
A compact fire still gives plenty of warmth and creates the same atmosphere.
4. Never Leave It Unattended
Even a controlled campfire can change fast.
Wind shifts. Logs collapse. Sparks travel. Conditions dry out.
If you step away, the fire should be fully out.
This is especially important when camping with:
• Children
• Pets
• Dry weather conditions
• Nearby trees or brush
One of the most effective campfire safety tips is also the simplest: stay nearby and stay aware.
5. Extinguish It Completely
A glowing fire pit is not an extinguished fire.
Smoldering coals can stay hot for hours and reignite when conditions change.
Before leaving:
• Pour water directly onto the coals
• Stir the ashes thoroughly
• Pour more water
• Repeat until everything is cool to the touch
The Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention recommends touching the ashes carefully once cooled to confirm there is no remaining heat.
If it’s warm, it isn’t out.
Extra Campfire Safety Tips for Every Trip
A few simple habits go a long way:
• Check local fire bans before arriving
• Avoid fires on windy days
• Use local firewood to reduce invasive pests
• Never burn garbage or food packaging
• Keep your fire in designated areas whenever possible
Small precautions help preserve campsites for everyone.
Enjoy the Fire, Protect the Forest
A campfire should create memories, not risk.
The best camping trips leave no damage behind. Following a few basic campfire safety tips helps protect the forests, campgrounds, and backroads we all love exploring.
A safer campfire means more nights under the stars and more places to return to in your Napier Truck or SUV tent.