Controlling and Using Campfires
Have you ever thought about the ways to use and control fire, there are at least seven ways to control and use fire. Think about it, from the first-time men and women discovered fire, we have attempted to find ways to control it, to use it, and to extinguish it. When a person goes camping, especially in fire prone area like the forest or grassland area, the camper needs to understand that it only takes a spark to get a fire going. When a camper has a fire, there are seven important things to remember.
1)The firepit is designed to keep the fire contained. A fire on the ground that is surrounded by rocks, is not contained.
2) A large fire wastes wood and does not produce additional heat as many campers seem to believe.
3 )It is the camper’s responsibility to burn cured or dry wood that does not create sparks.
4 )It is the camper’s responsibility to cut up firewood, so it does not hang out of the firepit. All campers should bring a campground axe or hatchet to the campground.
5) It is the camper’s responsibility to have water or a shovel to smother the fire (every spark must be out; you should be able to put your hand in the firepit to know that the fire is out).
6) It is the camper’s responsibility to put the fire out before they go to bed. (In the forest, wind comes up even in the middle of the night, your campfire could be the end of yours and your fellow camper’s lives. Dramatic? Yes. True? Yes.
7) It is irresponsible to leave your campsite to go on a hike, walk, bike ride, or worse to go home with a campfire burning in your site.
Negligence Can Lead to Consequences
Campers need to understand that there are consequences if their negligence results in a forest fire. If you caused the forest fire, you will be responsible for the cost of putting the fire out. A recent fire in the Los Padres National Forest cost close to $200 million dollars to put out; if someone dies as a result of the fire, you could be charged with in voluntary manslaughter.
Closing Thoughts on Campfires
Campfires are a nice thing to have when you go camping. Staring into the embers is intoxicating for some reason. Of course, other than warmth, cooking and smores, are great ways to use a fire while camping. Controlling a fire is using the right wood and not having anything hanging out of the firepit. Using the fire, is cooking over it, warming up, and making smores. Extinguishing a fire means every spark is put out. Exercising responsibility can save our forest for future generations.
