We all have fond childhood memories of a roaring campfire. It can be the highlight of a camping trip!
Let’s keep those memories positive by making sure even the youngest members of the family know the ins and outs of fire safety.
Parents: If you and your family are enjoying a campfire during your trip, be sure to follow these safety tips.
cut firewood
The first place to practice safety is before you even light a match.
You may need to chop wood before lighting the fire. If so, make sure your kids are at a safe distance before you take the first swing.
Don’t let your child handle the ax and be sure to store it safely out of reach of little hands.
For more information on ax safety, check out this blog.
Building your fire
Keep in mind that small fires are safer, easier to control and put out. By law, your fire cannot be more than one meter high and one meter in diameter.
Building a campfire is a great opportunity to educate your child about fire safety. As you discuss the advantages of log cabin and tent methods, let your child know why we always build our campfires in designated fire pits.
Model good behavior by burning local firewood and not collecting logs or sticks from your campsite.
It is better to leave the fire in the hands of the elders. Don’t let your child play with matches or lighters.
Sitting around the fire
You’ve got the fire going and now it’s time to enjoy it!
The most important thing to keep your child safe around a fire is close supervision.
No matter how responsible your child is, he or she should be supervised when around the fire. If you can’t keep a close eye on your child right now, don’t light the fire just yet.
Additional caution for small and very young children: Keep them within arm’s reach when the campfire is lit. Accidents can happen very quickly.
Follow these tips for a successful family bonfire:
- Let your child know that the fire is hot and not to get too close.
- Minimize running and playing once the fire is out.
- Place your chairs a safe distance from the flames and make it a rule that your child always walks behind the circle of chairs.
- Watch for flying embers
- Always have a bucket of water nearby
toast marshmallows
S’mores are definitely an essential part of any camping trip!
We know many kids will be eager to toast their own marshmallows! Make sure they use campfire sticks that leave as much space as possible between your child and the fire.
Remind your child not to throw or shake lit marshmallows. Blowing them out is a much safer tactic.
Using a metal tool? Remind them that the metal can get hot and to be careful when removing the marshmallow from the stick.
Practicing safety in all areas is the key to an enjoyable visit for you and your family.
We hope you practice these fire safety tips on your next trip!