Campfire Safety Tips

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

With Summer approaching fast you might already be dreaming of upcoming camping trips with friends and family. Camping is a great way to unwind and relax with our loved ones and decompress. However, camping usually means campfires will be started and they can pose a huge safety risk if not utilized properly. Keep reading for some of our favorite campfire safety tips over here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle:

• A fire pit is the only place that a campfire should be built. If you’re in a remote area that doesn’t have a pit, dig your own in an open area away from hanging branches or power lines. Once your makeshift pit is built, make sure to circle it with rocks. 
• Once your pit is successfully built, it’s time to safely start your actual campfire. Start with items that will easily catch fire, such as dried leaves and grass. Next, kindle the fire with small twigs and sticks to allow the fire to build. Now it’s time for bigger pieces of wood to be slowly added to the fire. Remember, the fire doesn’t have to be roaring to be effective!
• Keep water and a shovel handy. The water will come in handy for any runaway flames and the shovel will allow you to throw any sand or dirt on flames that break the perimeter of your pit. 
• Ensure your fire is at least 15 feet away from anything flammable. A strong gust of wind can spread your fire in a split second and it’s best to keep 15 feet of distance to ensure it doesn’t gain any traction.
• NEVER leave a campfire unattended!
• Make sure the campfire is extinguished properly. To do so, you should dump water on the fire, stir the ashes with a shovel, then dump more water on the fire to ensure all flames are put out. Once the campfire is cold, you can leave it unattended. 

Be smart, be safe and remember the tips and tricks your friends here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle have taught you!