Costly Campfire Mistakes to Absolutely Avoid

Cooking hot dogs, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories around the campfire is what camping is all about. Campfires can be a wonderful part of the camping experience, but it’s important to approach them with caution and avoid costly mistakes that can lead to accidents or damage. The last thing you want to do is cause harm to yourself, the landscape, or others. Today, RVT is sharing some costly campfire mistakes you should absolutely avoid.

Ignoring Fire Regulations

Before starting a campfire, always check the regulations and guidelines enforced by the campground or local authorities. Some areas may have restrictions on open fires due to weather conditions or fire hazards. Ignoring these regulations can result in fines and damage to the environment and can even endanger lives. Wherever you end up camping, it is imperative to check the specific fire danger rating systems. These systems can vary depending on the area you visit. Dramatic changes in the environment play a big role in fire danger.

Poor Site Selection

Choosing the wrong location for your campfire can lead to disastrous consequences. Avoid setting up your campfire under low-hanging branches or trees, near flammable materials, or close to your fifth wheel, tent trailer, Class A motorhome, or any other RV or structure. Select an open, designated fire pit area, and clear away any dry grass, leaves, or debris in a significant radius around the fire to prevent the spread of flames.

Starting a Fire in the Dark

Whether you are a novice or an expert, starting a fire in the dark can be catastrophic. Not only is visibility low, but you also have an increased risk of getting injured in the dark. Since a lot of precision is required for lighting a fire, make sure you have a light source available to help you see clearly.

Insufficient Clearing and Containment

Failing to clear a sufficient area around the fire and lacking proper containment measures can lead to uncontrolled fire spread. If a designated fire pit is not available, make sure to clear a wide perimeter around the fire, free of vegetation or other flammable materials. Use rocks to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading beyond its intended area.

Neglecting Extinguishing Duties

Leaving a campfire unattended or failing to properly extinguish it is a costly mistake. Always keep a watchful eye on the fire, ensuring there is someone responsible for supervising it at all times. Before leaving the campsite or going to sleep, completely extinguish the fire by pouring water over it, stirring the ashes, and repeating the process until the fire is cold to the touch.

Burning Garbage

If you’re out in the wilderness, it is tempting to simply toss your trash into the campfire. Though this seems like a simple, no-waste solution, burning garbage does more harm than good. For starters, burning trash can potentially cause toxic gas to be released. Breathing in these harmful chemicals is dangerous for your health and damages the surrounding environment. Additionally, burning garbage can give off specific odors that may attract wild animals to your campsite. Make sure you dispose of garbage in designated bins. When boondocking, remember to leave no trace. 

Overbuilding the Fire

Building a fire that is too large for your needs is not only wasteful but can also increase the risk of accidents. An oversized fire can send sparks and embers flying, potentially causing injuries or igniting nearby flammable materials. Likewise, the bigger the fire, the less control you have over it. Build a fire appropriate for cooking or warmth and avoid excessive fuel or stacking it too high.

Using Improper Fire Starters

Avoid using flammable liquids like gasoline or lighter fluid to start or enhance your fire. These substances can cause sudden flare-ups, leading to burns or potential explosions. Instead, use natural fire starters like dry leaves, twigs, or commercially available fire starters to ignite your fire safely.

Next time you set up a campfire, keep these fire safety tips in mind and share them with your campfire guests. Avoiding these costly campfire mistakes will help keep you, your campsite, and the surrounding landscape safe. 

If you are looking for a new or used RV to join you for your next campfire, be sure to check out the current listings at RVT.com. 

By Alex Hoyes