Fire can start in an instant, but its consequences can last a lifetime.
The good news is that most fires — whether on a campout, at your home, or anywhere else — are preventable through preparation and safe practices. But if a fire does break out, decisions you make in those first few seconds are crucial. Learn these tips as part of National Fire Prevention Week to keep everyone safe, no matter where you are.
Campfire safety
Scouts and Scouters love a campfire, but a fire is only as safe as the person tending it. Even a light breeze can take a single campfire spark and turn it into a roaring wildfire faster than you would think possible.
Nearly 85% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by humans. Human-caused fires result from campfires being left unattended, the burning debris or trash, equipment uses and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson.
Keep these tips mind when igniting a campfire:
- Know before you go: Leaders should understand local fire regulations in their respective locations. They should also keep an eye on weather conditions like wind velocity and humidity. Do not build a campfire in hazardous, dry or windy conditions.
- Campsite selection: Select a flat area with an open overhead. Stay at least 15 feet from tents, vegetation and other flammable objects. Use an established campfire ring if available, and keep the campfire size appropriate.
- Build your campfire: Chemical fuels and additives are not allowed when building campfires. Check out the Prohibited Activities list in the Guide to Safe Scouting for more information on accelerants.
- Never leave the campfire unattended: All campfires need to be constantly attended and properly extinguished whenever they’re no longer needed.
- The aftermath: Always extinguish the campfire properly. Conduct the cold-out test on the ash, and observe any signs of heat before you consider the fire extinguished. Practice the Leave No Trace principles at the end of the campfire and the outing.
- Emergency response: Prepare a fire plan with your unit and practice it. Make sure your first-aid kits are well kept. Be prepared to respond to burns. Always have tools like a rake or shovel, water, and other extinguishing substances handy.
Home safety
Fire safety isn’t essential only during campouts with Scouts. In fact, fire safety often starts at home. In 2024, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 300,000 home structure fires. A home fire is reported roughly every 96 seconds.
Keep these tips in mind in your home:
- Smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every room. Test them monthly, and replace batteries annually.
- Don’t walk away: Never leave items like stovetops, candles and space heaters unattended when in use.
- Watch out for flammable objects: Keep flammable items like candles, towels, curtains, etc., away from sources of heat like burners, space heaters, etc.
- Essential equipment: Keep a fire extinguisher handy in areas like your kitchen and garage, and make sure your family knows how to use it.
- Cleanliness wins: Always have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually.
- Plug in directly: Consider plugging appliances directly into wall outlets. If using extension cords, inspect them for wear and tear regularly.
- Have a plan: Have a fire-safety escape plan ready for your family, and practice drills twice a year.
Remember, when a fire occurs, seconds matter, but the actions we take today can make all the difference tomorrow. Stay prepared, stay vigilant and help keep safety at the heart of everything you do.
Resources
- Scouting America Campfire Safety
- Smokey Bear Campfire Safety
- Scouting America Guide to Safe Scouting
- Guide to Safe Scouting Chemical Fuels and Equipment
- Fire Safety with Backpacking Stoves
- American Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness
- Wildland Fire Management Information
- U.S. Forest Service Research Data Archive
Photo: Getty Images/Neelrong28
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