2007-11-05 09:05:07 · 6 answers · asked by starbucks_luver321 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Camping
Don't play with matches.
2007-11-05 11:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by Wayner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a very close call once while camping.
I was camping primitively on some property I own. Just woods. I built a campfire at night for warmth and cooking. I was careful to clear away all debris around the fire area.
Each night before bed, I made sure the fire was out by stomping the ground thoroughly.
I camped for 2 days, then was ready to leave. I had some water left in my 5-gal. container, so I decided to pour it over the campfire area. I was stunned to see steam rising up when the water hit the ground. I had made sure the "fire was out" the night before, but still the heat must have left the ground itself smouldering.
So, in addition to all the other great tips everyone has provided, I'd say, if you build any ground fires, make sure you thoroughly douse the area with water whenever you leave the area (to sleep, to go hiking, to break camp, etc.). I'm very lucky I didn't burn down my 10 acres of forest.
2007-11-08 12:45:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To prevent wild fires when camping, you must be very aware of the weather conditions, and any on-going droughts that may be happening in the area you're in. Make sure there aren't any 'no-burn' policies in place and use common sense if things seem exceptionally dry and there are winds strong enough to carry sparks away from your fire pit and into anything flame-able.
Never leave a fire unattended - always wait until it is out before you go to sleep or leave the campsite.
Also, if you are a smoker or have smokers camping with you, be very aware where you toss lighted cigarettes or used matches!
2007-11-05 20:19:36 · answer #3 · answered by Beth P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't light a fire unless you have to. Opt for a backpacking or camp stove instead. Clear any flammable materials away from where you plan to cook.
If you do light a fire, burn smaller pieces of wood and use hard-woods when available. Pines, hemlocks, spruce, etc are all soft-woods and usually produce more sparks than oaks, maples, ash, and other hard-woods. Smaller pieces burn better and won't leave big chunks of smoldering logs in the fire pit. Also, avoid burning leaves, grass, paper, etc as it also tends to send up more sparks. Make sure you have water and a shovel on hand if you do have a campfire.
Make sure your cigarettes are DEAD out and pack out your butts. Be careful where you ash.
Don't idle your car over dried leaves or grass.
Don't burn leaves in your yard (if you live near the woods) unattended.
2007-11-06 02:08:17 · answer #4 · answered by Willie D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. don't chuck cigarette butts out your window when driving thru the forest...
2. when putting out a fire, use water and dirt to make sure the coals are not still burning...
2007-11-05 23:47:05 · answer #5 · answered by nikkicfox 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask smoky bear
2007-11-05 22:43:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋