Use of Campfire

OVERVIEW

Pre-Activity Setup, Safety And Equipment Checks

Adequate stocks of firewood are available; the Base Camp Manager positions adequate stores of firewood prior to the arrival of participants
Splitting and cutting of firewood is conducted by MAG staff only; ideally before the participants arrival
Adequate amounts of water and fire fighting equipment is available for emergency use; the 20 litre fire fighting backpack sprayer is filled and located in the immediate vicinity of the campfire
A long handle shovel and/or rake hoe is available for managing the fire
Suitable gloves are available (where cooking on the fire is conducted)
The fire pit is prepared by removing any excessive ash or fire debris
The fire pit is free from any potentially explosive materials – river rocks
The area around the fire pit is clear of any combustible materials – minimum four metre radius
The wind direction and strength is taken into account prior to lighting
The campfire is lit prior to the arrival of participants
No fires are lit during periods of Total Fire Ban

Participants are warned about the risks and hazards of an open fire including;
- - Burns and smoke inhalation
  - Trip hazards near fire pit
  - Sparks and hot coals from crackling wood
Participants use gloves when handling fire pit cooking equipment
The guide and/or Base Camp Manager explains and/or demonstrates the use of fire pit cooking equipment and techniques to reduce the risk of burns or smoke inhalation
The guide and/or Base Camp Manager highlights the risk of synthetic clothing near the fire; natural fibres may provide better protection
Drying wet clothing or equipment by the fire is not encouraged, however if it becomes necessary the guide and/or Base Camp Manager explains methods to reduce the risk of damage or ignition
Wet sleeping bags or sleeping mats are not dried by the fire

The guide and/or Base Camp Manager supervises the fire from lighting until extinguished
The fire is managed at a reasonable size (for the conditions and purpose)
Adding firewood and tending the fire is conducted by the guide and/or Base Camp Manager and by participants at the guide and/or Base Camp Managers discretion
All participant interactions with the fire are supervised by the guide and/or Base Camp Manager
Rubbish is not disposed of in the fire pit – including food/organic waste

The guide and/or Base Camp Manager extinguishes the fire completely after all participants have departed (either gone to bed for the night or departed after the program)
If the campfire is to be re-lit in the morning, coals are allowed to burn down completely (with no flame visible), crushed using the shovel to about 20 cm size chunks and covered with a thin layer of soil
If windy conditions are current or forecast the campfire may be doused with water to reduce the risk of flare up overnight
Upon the completion of a program the fire is extinguished by using water and ash debris is completely removed
Extinguished ash and fire debris is disposed of in the GREEN WASTE bin and/or added to the compost heap

MAG believes the use of an open campfire is an integral part of the outdoor experience.

All firewood supplies are sourced from within the Base Camp property from dead fall limbs and branches.
Dead fall limbs and branches selected for use as firewood have the following characteristics;
1. 1. Do not contain insects, nests and/or animals
  2. Are less than 20 cm in diameter
  3. Ideally a Eucalyptus limb
  4. Dry (not greenwood)

The visual amenity of the surrounding area and potential animal habitat is considered when selecting dead fall limbs
Participants are discouraged from collecting firewood in surrounding area
When required, additional firewood may be sourced from local suppliers. The suppliers are assessed to ensure sustainable and responsible practices are followed.

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