• Fire safety is an important consideration for any wildlands camping excursion, and it is important to remember that an improperly handled fire can quickly cause widespread damage to the forest and adjacent communities. With proper safety habits in place, campfires can be a great learning and group bonding activity, whether they are used to cook out or to keep warm on a cold autumn evening.
  
  

Choosing a Safe Location for a Campfire

• When you are choosing where to set up a campfire, ensure that it is at least 8 feet upwind from any flammable objects, particularly your tent. Anything that is nearer than 8 feet to the fire and downwind runs the risk of being hit with embers; these are particularly hazardous since most camp tents are composed of synthetic materials that are highly combustible. After locating a suitable campfire location, sweep the area clear of leaves, twigs, pine needles and other potentially flammable debris. When possible create a ring of stones to help define the border of the fire and keep embers from drifting.
  
  

Campfire Safety General Checklist

• The cardinal rule of campfire safety is never leave a campfire burning and unattended. Without proper supervision, it is impossible to respond in a timely enough manner, should the fire get out of hand, to prevent its spread; a fire extinguisher or bucket of water should always be kept on hand while using a campfire. When setting up your camp, search the area for any pre-fabricated fire pits, which are fairly common in designated campgrounds that see a lot of traffic. If your camp has a fire pit, always use that over an improvised fire stone circle, because embers are less likely to escape the pit's superior enclosure.
  
  

Camp Cooking and Heating Appliance Safety

• Campfires are not the only source of flames found while camping in the wildlands: camp cook stoves, heaters, and even lanterns also pose potential fire hazards. Before using any camp appliances that use flames, be sure to inspect all valve connections, hoses and burners for signs of damage or leaks. Rubber hose connectors are particularly prone to damage since UV light causes the materials to degrade over time. For any devices that use propane, ensure that the propane tank is in good to fair condition and free of any major rust damage or damage to the valve. Many propane refill stations offer a trade-in program to return old and damaged tanks in exchange for a discount on new ones in the interest of safety. Electric lanterns are also a potential hazard, depending on the type of light source; check to see if they grow hot after several hours in a controlled environment before considering bringing them into your tent. For a low-power level intensity, LED lanterns provide the safest option.