During a camping trip, you will probably be wondering how to manage a campfire. If you’re a camper by heart, then you’ll need to learn about managing the fire safely and setting up a comfortable campfire. Whether you plan to roast marshmallows or s’mores, there are some things you should keep in mind when using portable campfires.
Extinguishing a portable campfire
While camping is a fun outdoor activity, it can also be dangerous if you are not familiar with how to put out a portable campfire. Wildfires can grow out of control quickly, resulting in massive damage to your property and causing death or injury to those around you.
The first tip to extinguish a fire quickly is to make sure it is cool enough to touch. Always have water and a fire extinguisher nearby. Depending on the size of your campfire, it may be difficult to put out with water alone, so always keep a fire hose or shovel near your campfire. Once the fire is out, remember to check the ground around your campfire to ensure it is completely cool. You can also check any stones near your campfire for embers that may be hidden. Remember to never leave coals on your campsite if you do not have cell service.
Burning marshmallows
To roast a marshmallow on a campfire, you need to use a stick that is about the same length as your arm, but not too long. You can use a pocket knife to sharpen the end of the stick. Never use a large campfire with a huge flame as it will burn your marshmallows too quickly. Sticks that are thick and sturdy will avoid this problem. Once you have the stick, you should shape it to hold the marshmallow.
While marshmallows and hot dogs are the typical campfire snacks, you can also try different recipes. Some campers share their recipes on social media sites. You can even use a pie iron if you want to make a pie. It is not difficult to roast marshmallows on a portable campfire! Just make sure you have enough wood. You’ll be glad you did!
Keeping a fire manageable
When building a campfire, remember to keep it manageable. The fire should be around 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter and at least 15 feet away from the nearest flammable object. Avoid using plastic or aluminum and make sure to buy wood from the area you plan to camp at. Burning anything other than wood can cause toxic gases and may even attract wild animals. If you are camping in an area with no cell phone service, make sure you call 911 or report the fire to a campground host.
When building a campfire, be sure to use designated fire pits or established circles. Always keep your fire under control and make sure that you have water nearby. Ensure that your campfire site is located away from flammable objects and high branches, and never use aluminum cans or tin cans near the fire. It’s also important to avoid using aluminum cans as they give off harmful fumes.
