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What's camping in Utah without a campfire? The campfire is an integral part of any wilderness vacation, and to outdoors-people, it's indispensable. However, it also comes with a set of dangers. Campfires are the nation's leading cause of childrens camping injuries, and the primary catalyst of forest fires. Make sure to remember these four vital tips to keep your campsite fireproof and safe on your next adventure in the Utah wilderness.
Pick the ideal campfire spot - Choosing a clear area to build your campfire can help keep your site fireproof. Your campfire should sit in an open space with at least 10 feet of dirt surrounding it in every direction. It should be free from stumps, brush, grass and leaves. It's not a bad idea to keep the surrounding area wet and safe from sparking a blaze. The area needs to be vertically clear as well. Make sure there is nothing above the campfire and it has a clearance at least three times the height of the flame.
Keep the fire contained in a rock pit, barrel or BBQ grill. Believe it or not, a fire built directly upon the ground can spread under the surface by sparking dried out roots or decaying material.
Building a big raging fire is never a good idea. Sparks fly farther, the heat gets too high and it's difficult to contain. Try to keep the flame at no more than two feet in every direction.
Never, ever leave a campfire unattended in Utah. Keeping your campsite fireproof means keeping a close eye on the campfire. An unexpected breeze can fan the flame out of control in an instant. In order to stay safe, make sure you have a means of extinguishing the flame quickly in case it gets out of hand. You should also have plenty of water and a shovel to douse the fire if it starts to spread unexpectedly.
