Wildfire Impacts and Fire Safety Tips
On average, 7.5 million acres of forest are affected by wildfires each year. Alarmingly, nearly 85 percent of these fires are caused by human activity. While these numbers may seem disheartening, they also highlight an important opportunity: most of the damage caused by wildfires is preventable. With a little preparation, care and attention, we can all contribute to preserving natural spaces for future generations.
In this guide, CoreVibe shares important fire safety tips to help you enjoy your outdoor campfire responsibly while minimizing the risk of wildfires.
10 Essential Fire Safety Tips
1. Consider not building a fire
The easiest way to minimize the impact of a campfire is to avoid building one. There’s no denying that campfires are indeed enjoyable, but it makes more sense to preserve the beauty of natural spaces. In later sections of this guide, we’ll share some alternatives to help you stay comfortable without a campfire.
2. Check the Current Fire Danger Rating
Before you head out, find out the current fire danger rating for your area. Often, you can access this important information through your county’s website or through agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, National Forest Service, or local park authorities. Staying informed can prevent unnecessary risks.
3. Confirm Fire Restrictions
In addition to fire danger ratings, check your destination’s specific fire regulations. These regulations may include prohibiting fires at certain elevations, near specific natural features, or in high-risk weather. This information is usually specifically labeled on the governing body’s website.
4. Using established campfire rings
Established fire rings are designed for safety and are usually available at designated campgrounds. Before starting a fire, clear away trash and natural debris. If there are no fire rings available, choose an area without dry organic materials and make a temporary circle with rocks. Before leaving, make sure the fire is completely out, scatter the rocks and restore the area to its natural state.
Portable fire pits (such as the Solo Stove Campfire Stove or Solo Stove Bonfire ) are good alternatives when no fire rings are available. These options help to safely contain the flames.
5. Remove natural debris
Remove dead leaves, branches, and other organic material within a 10-foot radius of the fire. This step minimizes the risk of accidental fire spread.
6. Keep the fire small
Smaller fires are safer, easier to control, and provide plenty of warmth and light. Smaller fires are also easier to extinguish completely, which reduces the likelihood of accidental fires starting from shaded embers.
7. Always monitor the fire
Never leave a fire unattended, even if it’s just a short hike. Sudden wind changes can blow embers away from the fire, igniting nearby flammable materials.
8. Keep water nearby.
Make sure water or other extinguishing agents are within easy reach. If the fire begins to spread or needs to be extinguished, a quick response is critical.
9. Extinguish the fire completely
When you have finished enjoying your campfire, douse it thoroughly with water and stir the ashes until they cool. It is very dangerous to let a campfire continue to burn, as even embers that appear to be out can reignite.
Responsible Outdoor Recreation
By following these tips, each of us can do our part to prevent forest fires and preserve the beauty of our forests. To learn more about how to stay comfortable while camping without using an open flame, check out CoreVibe’s recommended gear for tents, sleeping bags, and portable stoves.
Let’s protect natural spaces so everyone can enjoy nature safely and happily. #Water for fire safety
Always extinguish campfires completely with water before going to bed or leaving camp. In the wilderness, we recommend using a large water bottle, while in remote areas, a lightweight water bag is ideal for extinguishing campfires. Avoid using sand or dirt, as they are far less effective than water in completely extinguishing a flame. According to CoreVibe’s advice based on the “Leave No Trace Mountain Forestry” principle, you should
- Burn all wood to white ash.
- Grind small pieces of coal into ash.
- Soak the residue thoroughly with water.
- Spread the cooled ash over a large area away from your campsite.
In some river corridors, the ash may need to be packed away.
Recommended Gear
CoreVibe water bags are ideal for storing water to effectively extinguish fires. Always keep extra water nearby for accidental sparks or burning debris.
Dealing with escaping embers
Firewood may burst suddenly or a gust of wind may blow embers outside the fire ring. Keep a large kettle or bag of water within easy reach to extinguish embers immediately. Even tiny sparks can start a devastating wildfire, so it’s vital to remain vigilant.
Fire Safety for Stoves and Lanterns
While the risk of a gas lamp or stove starting a fire is low, care still needs to be taken. Alcohol stoves burn so fast and have such a hot, nearly invisible flame that extra care is needed.CoreVibe typically recommends avoiding alcohol stoves because of their high fire risk and minimal weight savings.
Safety Tips
- Keep your stove away from dry grass, leaves or other flammable materials.
- Always use caution with any device that has an open flame.
Tips for using firewood
The type, size and source of your firewood is critical to the safe and sustainable use of fire. Here are some key points:
- Use local wood: never bring wood from home. Firewood brought from elsewhere may introduce exotic pests or plants to the area.
- SIZE MATTERS: Gather twigs and thin branches that are similar in diameter to an adult’s wrist. Wood of this size burns faster, thus reducing the risk of smothering logs.
- Protect wildlife: Avoid cutting wood from dead trees, which are habitat for animals and home to sensitive plants.
- Use only downed wood: Green wood is less likely to burn, produces more smoke, and can be environmentally damaging when cut.
- Disperse unused wood: Dispersing leftover wood helps maintain the natural look of the space and reduces disturbance to wildlife.
Fire and Smoke Awareness
Before you leave, check fire and smoke maps for updates on air quality and fires. If air quality is poor or there are fires nearby, consider alternative plans. These maps can help you assess whether it is safe to move forward.
Leave No Trace Principles
Learning and adhering to the Leave No Trace principles is critical to minimizing impacts on natural spaces. These guidelines ensure that the environment remains pristine for future visitors while protecting local ecosystems.
Be safe and enjoy your CoreVibe adventure responsibly. Many of the recommendations shared in this article are derived from the Leave No Trace principles. We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with these basic guidelines before entering the wilderness.
Using a camping blanket such as the CoreVibe Sierra is a reliable and comfortable way to stay warm.
Alternatives to campfires
You may be disappointed to find that your chosen campground does not allow fires. However, there are plenty of creative ways to stay warm and create an atmosphere without a campfire. Here are our favorite ways to create a cozy camping atmosphere:
- Camping blankets / quilts
- Warm socks
- String lights
- Lanterns/ Colorful lanterns
- Solar Lights
We particularly like the Multi-Purpose Backpacking Quilt, which opens up completely and can be used like a traditional camping blanket.
Building a Fire in Harsh Conditions
Fire is an important survival tool, especially in an emergency. If there is a storm and you don’t have the right gear, building a fire could be the key to avoiding freezing. Building a fire in wet or harsh conditions is very difficult, but it can be done with the right approach.
Watch our instructional video for a detailed step-by-step guide to building a fire in wet conditions, as well as important fire safety tips.
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