NORTHERN MICHIGAN – With the recent warming and drying trend impacting the Great Lakes region, the Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNFs) would like to remind forest visitors to drown, stir and feel their campfire before leaving the fire ring.
“People are starting to get back to camping and recreating on the forest” said Forest Fire Prevention and Mitigation Specialist Debra-Ann Brabazon. “Camping and campfires are just part of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. With fire danger conditions above High at this time, vigilance is needed when having a campfire,” she said.
One rule of thumb is to Know Before You Go! “Be aware of the current fire danger by checking out the current fire danger on the Great Lakes Fires And Fuels website and even checking the Forests’ fire weather forecast,” Brabazon recommended, adding “Sometimes it’s better to just use a camp stove or lantern, however if you do have a campfire, there are some tips to help you keep your fire contained and controlled.”
Clear an area up to ten feet in diameter around your fire circle to remove any flammable materials. Be sure that overhead leaves or limbs have clearance and won’t ignite from the campfire’s convective heat. Check for roots in the fire circle as fire can travel underground through dead root systems before reaching the surface and igniting a wildfire.
Keep your fire small not tall, Brabazon added. “Your campfire should reflect the intent of the activity. Cooking and warming fires do not need to be big fires. You want to be able to safely navigate through cooking without risking any burns.”
“Stay away from using flammable liquids, like gasoline, to start your fire. Invisible fumes travel along the ground and can be ignited, carrying fire into the wildland.” She also discouraged burning litter or other refuse in the fire pit, “which can create toxic fumes, making people sick.”
Finally, cool your coals. Allowing your fire to burn down to white ash and stirring the coals can release trapped heat that will keep your campfire hot. “Then Drown, Stir, Feel, repeat, until your fire is dead out and cold to the touch.” Popping, crackling and hissing indicate the fire is still hot, she noted adding that you should continue to add water and stir until you can touch the coals, “Making sure they are cold to the touch.”
“It’s important to know that if you decide to go to bed, leave your campsite, or even ask a kid to watch your campfire, it is considered unattended. Unattended campfires risk wildfires. Remember…if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave,” Brabazon reminded.
For more information about having safe campfires this holiday weekend, check out the Smokey Bear’s How-To page on campfire safety.
