Sitting around a fire and enjoying the warmth and comfort can be one of the most enjoyable parts of camping. However, as we have seen in recent years, fires can also be very destructive to the environment and also dangerous to people. As a result we need to think about what we can do manage our use of fire. Some tips to ensure a positive experience are found below.
- No fires in Fire Ban season… no exceptions! Part of the planning is to check the status of fires, as set out by the RFS. It is also important to check weather forecasts. A change in wind direction can cause major problems if not planned for.
- Obey all rules set out in the area you are camping. Many public areas, National Parks etc have restrictions banning open fires. If this is the case, gas or fuel cooking options must be used.
- If available, use provided fire pits. This reduces the damage to the local environment. Making your own ‘ring’ from rocks, especially river rocks, is not a good idea as they have been known to explode from the heat.
- Collecting firewood within many parks is prohibited. Leave dead wood where it lies as it’s an important habitat for the local wildlife, not fire fuel. To avoid bringing pest species into the area, bring wood free from dirt and weeds.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Gather enough wood and kindling before you light your fire. Ask someone else to get more if needed.
- Keep fires small and manageable, with a clear radius of at least 3-metres around the fire (no bonfires).
- When you leave the site or head off to bed, use water or dirt (water is preferable) to extinguish the flames. Use a stick to move the logs, ash and coals around to make sure there aren’t any hidden hot spots. Continue this process until the fire is cool. Many burns while camping come from people being burnt from old fires that others have left before. Unfortunately these burns often occur to young children.
- Do not use campfires as rubbish incinerators – plastics release toxic gases when burnt. Fire pits are also not receptacles for broken glass or other bits and pieces. Keep them clean and tidy.
