By: Maribel Paulino Mariñez, Public Relations Volunteer, American Red Cross of Alaska
 

Camping is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors. Camping allows you and your family to connect with nature and create lasting memories. However, it's important to prioritize safety during your camping trips, especially when it comes to fire prevention. This article will provide tips for campers of all ages on preventing fires and enjoying the outdoors safely.

1. Choose Designated Campsites:

When selecting a campground, opt for established areas designed specifically for camping activities. These sites usually have adequate facilities, such as fire pits or rings where campfires can be enjoyed safely.

2. Check local regulations and weather conditions, and burn restrictions:

Before you set out on your trip, research any specific rules or restrictions regarding open flames or fires in the area you plan to visit. Also, stay updated on current weather conditions, as dry periods increase the risk of wildfires.

3. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources:

Make sure tents are set up at least ten feet away from any potential ignition sources, such as stoves or lanterns, to minimize accidental contact between fabrics and flames.

4. Use campfire rings/pits/barbeques, if available:

If there is already a designated fire pit or barbeque at your campsite, use it instead of creating new ones elsewhere. This will ensure embers and flames stay inside safe zones and away from flammable materials.

5. Never leave fires unattended:

Always assign someone responsible to monitor any open flame until it is completely extinguished before walking away; Even briefly leaving a fire unattended increases the chances of accidents. A sudden gust of wind can easily spread unwanted sparks.

6. Extinguish all fires completely before leaving a campsite:

Allow wood logs or burned material to completely reduce to ash.  Pour water over the remaining ashes making sure they are fully saturated. Stir well with a shovel or stick making sure there are no hidden hot spots under the ash layers. Dispose of all remaining ash (if appropriate) in designated ash bins.

7. Handle fuel and other combustible materials with care:

Avoid using excessive amounts of lighter fluid/gasoline/kerosene, etc., which can lead to large uncontrolled flames that can result in injury and property damage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when handling fuels and practice safe storage ensuring they are out of the reach of children and pets.

8. Pack Fire Safety Equipment:

Make sure the necessary fire safety equipment is nearby, including a portable fire extinguisher, or bucket filled with sand or water, in case flames get out of control. Be prepared to act quickly and effectively by containing small-scale incidents in order to prevent larger dangerous situations from escalating.

Fire safety guidelines for camping in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska include obtaining necessary permits, adhering to designated fire regulations, using established rings or moats at campsites, and maintaining water nearby to extinguish fires completely after use. It is important to closely monitor weather conditions and never leave a flame unattended. When extinguishing fires or embers, let them burn out naturally before adding water and stirring well. Handle fuels and combustible material carefully while camping, avoiding overuse, and storing flammable substances safely, out of the reach of children and pets. Also, bring firefighting equipment, such as portable fire extinguishers or buckets filled with sand or water for emergencies.

By following these simple yet vital guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risks related to unintentional fires in forests or campgrounds. Enjoying nature should never be a safety risk to you or the environment.