Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires
Smokey Bear wants to remind everyone to be smart outdoors and stop wildfires!
Here are a few tips for burning campfires:
DO NOT build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions.
DO NOT build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires.
FIND OUT if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit.
If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Choose a spot that's downwind protected from wind and also beware of low-hanging branches overhead.
Clear a 10-foot diameter area around the site. Remove any grass, twigs, leaves and firewood. Also make sure there aren't any tree limbs or flammable objects hanging overhead.
Circle the pit with rocks.
Remember to keep your fire at a manageable size and always keep children and pets away from the fire.
Don't burn dangerous things!
Never burn aerosol cans or pressurized containers. They may explode.
Never put glass in the fire pit. Glass does not melt away, it only heats up and shatters. Broken slivers of glass are dangerous.
Aluminum cans do not burn. In fact, the aluminum only breaks down into smaller pieces. Inhaling aluminum dust can be harmful to your lungs.
When you're ready to put out your fire and call it a night, follow these guidelines:
1.Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible
2.Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones
3.Pour until hissing sound stops
4.Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel
5.Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers
6.Stir and make sure everything is wet and they are cold to the touch
7.If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Remember: do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.
REMEMBER: If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!
Take Smokey Bear’s Pledge to stop wildfires at http://www.smokeybear.com/take-pledge.asp
