Building Fires
Where necessary, the fire is elevated in a well-balanced durable container.
A fire bucket of water or dirt is within easy reach of the fire. A rake and shovel should be included in the troop equipment if wood fires are planned as they are essential to preventing the spread of uncontrolled fires.
Solid fire starters are used. Girls can make their own recycling egg cartons, dryer lint, and candle stubs. Directions for their making fire starters are located in Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting. NOTE: lighter fluid is not allowed.
Wood should only be gathered from the ground and collected from a wide range, not just around the campsite. Gather only the amount of wood needed. The gathered wood should be dry and solid. Wood that crumbles in the hand, refuses to break (tinder and kindling), or still contains sap burns poorly and produces little heat.
A fire is always under supervision from the time it is lit to the time it is declare fully extinguished.
The fire should be small enough to fit inside the confines of the circle or container.
Leave sufficient time to put the fire out properly. If a charcoal fire, submerge any remaining coals in water and repeat until the coal is cold to the touch after one minute. If a wood fire, burn fire until only ashes remain. If this is not possible, submerge any remaining logs in water and repeat until the burned area is cold to the touch after a one-minute wait. Dispose of ashes in appropriate receptacle or pack out.