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"If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid seeing yourself in the mirror, because I bet that's what REALLY throws you into a panic.”
~ Jack Handey on Saturday Night Live
Rules To Prevent Forest Fires
If a fire ring isn't being used, line your fire area with rocks to ensure that the fire stays where it needs to be
Make sure that the climate is not too windy nor too dry to support a safe fire
Leave sticks in the fire - don't catch sticks on fire then move them or wave them around
Clear debris from around the fire - a five foot radius in all directions should be safe
Make sure there are no low-hanging branches over your fire ring
Keep water near your fire in case it gets out of hand
Put your extra wood upwind and at least five feet from your fire
Don't discard matches until they are out cold
Always make sure that your fire is completely out - if you feel no heat from the coals even after turning up the coals then it is out
Never leave your campfire unattended
Don't leave your chairs setup near the fire overnight - they can blow into the fire
Rules To Prevent Injuries
Leave sticks in the fire - don't catch sticks on fire then move them or wave them around
If you must move logs or shovel coals, move people back from the fire while doing so
No leaves on top of fires - they catch fire and can blow into the eyes of unsuspecting folks
No playing, wrestling, or running anywhere close to the fire
Place wood on your fire - don't throw it
Nothing but wood goes into your fire - especially avoid pinecones, acorns, buckeyes, or anything else with a hollow chamber
Don't use sandstone to line your fire ring - it can explode
Don't burn wood with vines wrapped around it, even if the vines are dead - also check for poison ivy growing in your fire circle
Teach kids to stop, drop, and roll should they catch on fire
An adult should be present at any fire
Some Cub Scout packs add additional rules, such as only one person can be adding wood at a time
Rules For Minimum-Impact Fires
Make sure that fires are permissable wherever you're staying
Whenever possible, use an established fire ring
If an established fire ring isn't available, make a small fire on mineral soil or on a dirt mound
If mineral soil or a dirt mound isn't available, build your fire on a flat rock
If none of these things are available, dig a hole into some sod - replace the sod once the coals have been put out and dispersed
If you're forced to create a new fire circle, make sure to disperse the coals and ashes afterwards
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