Safe use of campfires and fire pits (1089)

Fire pit and campfires can stay hot for 24 hours, even after the fire looks like it is out.  Each year many children and teenagers are burned when they trip and fall into fire pits or campfires. 

Be sure to monitor kids at all times around campfires and fire pits:

• Always supervise children and teens near a fire pit or campfire - even if you think the fire is out.  
• Make sure kids of all ages stay at least 3 big steps (3 feet) away from a fire pit or campfire - even when there is no fire burning.  

Be sure to put out all fires completely. 

For campfires, a responsible adult should: 

• Let the wood burn down to ash, if possible.
• Pour lots of water on the fire until the hissing stops.  Pour over all embers, not just the red ones.  
• Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.  Stir until everything is wet and then stay away.
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Do not use other liquids to put out the fire.  Mix dirt or sand with the embers. Keep adding and stirring until all embers are cool. 
• Even after these steps, embers will remain hot for 24 hours!
  
  Remember: Do not bury the fire.  The fire will continue to smolder and could start roots on fire.  The roots could cause the fire to get to the surface and start a wildfire.

Home fire pits: 

• Use it in a safe place.  Keep the pit away from buildings, on a solid non-flammable surface.  Use water, dirt or sand to put out the fire.
• If necessary, keep a bucket of dirt or dry sand nearby to dump on the flames.
• Keep your garden hose close. Have the water turned on so it is ready to use.  Set the nozzle to "spray."  A hard stream of water could spread burning embers.
• To best avoid injuries, use a fire pit that is raised off of the ground and has a barrier or containment ring.

If someone does get burned, pour cool water on the burn.  Do not use ice on a burn.  Seek medical attention right away.  Even a small burn can be a big deal.