Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or telling spooky stories, gathering around a campfire can be a rewarding way to spend quality time with your family.  While the heat and flicker of the fire are comforting, it’s important to remember that the open flames are still dangerous. To help you keep your campground safe this summer, here are a few essential fire safety practices you should adopt.

5 Campground Safety Tips for Building a Fire

1. Be Prepared to Extinguish

Before you get started, make sure you have enough resources on hand to extinguish a fire that gets out of control. All you need is a large bucket of water and a shovel. When you need to put out the flames, douse the logs with the water and then stir it up with the shovel. You can also use the shovel to scoop sand or dirt over the flames.  

2. Use Designated Pits

If you’re visiting a campground, be sure to use the designated fire pits. These amenities are designed to be the appropriate depth and width to build a safe hearth. Trying to dig your own pit may not only damage the natural area but also create a fire hazard.

3. Maintain Appropriate Clearance

Since flames can stretch and leap a good distance, you should have about 10 feet of clearance around the campfire. Make sure you allow an appropriate distance from trees and low-hanging limbs.

For proper clearance, make sure to move all tents, clothing, vehicles, and other camping equipment. If it’s windy, you should increase the distance to 15 feet so that flames aren’t accidentally blown toward something flammable.

4. Avoid Flame Accelerants

Gas, lighter fluid, and other accelerants may get a fire started quickly, but they can also create too many flames at once. To shield your group from wild blazes, opt to start the fire with nothing more than a match.

To gradually build the fire, first use the match to ignite dry leaves or grass. Next, apply small twigs and other kindling to help the flames spread. Once the base is going, you can put on the thicker logs that should burn for several hours.

5. Always Keep Watch

Conditions can change quickly, so you should never let your eye wander from the fire for long. If you leave the site or go to bed, always make sure to fully extinguish the pit.

When you want to enjoy the great outdoors with your family, plan a trip to the much-loved Bigfoot Adventure TN. Situated in Tracy City, this expansive campground offers a wide range of beautiful sites for both RV and traditional tent campers. Dedicated to giving guests a truly authentic experience, this destination offers a wide range of fun amenities to keep kids and adults occupied—including fire pits, outdoor zip lines, and a disc golf course. Visit this mountain getaway online to learn more about their offerings and competitive rates. To book a stay, call (931) 488-8652.