How to Light and Extinguish a Campfire Correctly: A Safe Guide

Learn How to Safely and Effectively Light and Extinguish Campfires

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-676-ECO
Published in 04-24-2025

Lighting a campfire in nature can be a magical and useful experience perfect for cooking, warming up, or simply enjoying the outdoors. However, doing it improperly can lead to wildfires and put lives and ecosystems at serious risk.

Before Starting a Campfire: Is it Safe?
Check local regulations: Some parks and natural areas prohibit fires during dry seasons or periods of high fire risk.
Choose a designated area: Use established fire rings or build your campfire away from trees, low-hanging branches, shrubs, or any flammable materials.
Have water and a shovel ready: Be prepared to extinguish the fire at any moment.

How to Start a Campfire Safely
Gather the right materials: Tinder (dry leaves, tree bark, paper), kindling (small sticks), and larger logs.
Build a safe structure: Use a teepee or pyramid shape to ensure proper airflow and combustion.
Ignite carefully: Use matches or a lighter. Avoid flammable liquids like gasoline.
Keep the fire contained: Make sure it doesn't spread beyond the designated fire area.

Top Tips for Lighting and Extinguishing Campfires Safely

How to Properly Extinguish a Campfire
Stop adding wood: Do this at least 30 minutes before you leave or go to sleep.
Slowly pour water: Over the embers. You should hear a hissing sound that means it's cooling.
Stir the ashes: Use a stick or a shovel to mix the wet ashes.
Add more water: Until the site is completely cold to the touch.
Never leave a hot fire: If you can't touch it, it's not out yet.

Why Responsible Campfires Matter
Every year, thousands of hectares of forest are lost due to human negligence. A single unattended ember can ignite a wildfire. Preventing disaster starts with simple, responsible actions. We all play a part in protecting nature.

Conclusion
Knowing how to start and extinguish a campfire properly isn't just about personal safety, it's an act of environmental responsibility. Share this article and help raise awareness about campfire safety.

Learn More: Visit US Forest Service: Campfire Safety or National Park Service: Campfires for official guidelines and updates.