13 campfire safety tips for kids
Charlotte Thomas
Social EditorIf you're toasting marshmallows with the kids, make sure you follow these fire safety tips to enjoy your campfire safely.
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Whether you’re on a family camping holiday, watching the sun go down on the beach, or toasting marshmallows in the back garden, campfires are a fun way to keep warm, cook some tasty treats and tell stories by firelight.
Kids love helping collect firewood and making S'mores but, as with any type of fire, there are dangers associated with campfires, particularly if kids are around.
Check out these top safety tips to ensure you enjoy your family campfire safely.
1. Make sure campfires are allowed
Campsites, beaches and national parks usually have rules about whether or not campfires are allowed, and designated areas where fires can be lit.
Make sure you follow these rules as they're there for a reason.
Fires could be dangerous to you, the environment, local residents and wildlife if started in the wrong place and could cause a wildfire.
Many public places will have a website which will tell you what's allowed, or you can always check with the local council.
2. Choose a clear area for your fire
Fire can destroy a tent in less than 60 seconds, so when you're choosing somewhere to light a campfire, make sure you pick a clear area away from trees, bushes, tents and washing lines.
Avoid anywhere with overhanging branches or where the grass is overly dry, to stop fire spreading. Clear away any debris surrounding your fire, such as twigs and dry leaves, as they could set alight.
3. Make a fire ring or pit
Many campsites or areas that allow campfires have designated areas with fire pits where your fire can be built.
If this isn't the case, dig a small dip in the ground or surround your fire area with a ring of stones or rocks to prevent your fire from spreading.
4. Smaller is better
Tempting as it is to build the biggest fire you can, bigger isn't better.
Smaller fires are safer and easier to control and still provide plenty of heat for cooking and to keep you warm.
5. Never use accelerant
Never use lighter fluid or other flammable liquids to start a fire as this can cause a dangerous rush of flames or even an explosion.
If you build your fire correctly following these steps, it should light easily with a match or lighter.
- Place dried leaves and grass at the base of your fire for tinder as they will set alight easily
- Lay kindling – small sticks – over the tinder
- Light the tinder with a match or lighter – make sure the match is fully out before disposing of it or throw it into the fire
- Add kindling and larger logs to keep your fire going
6. Have water and a shovel to hand
Always have a bucket of water handy to douse any flames and a shovel to throw dirt or sand over any flames that escape from your fire.
You can also water the ground surrounding your fire before you light it to stop flames spreading.
7. Keep lighters and matches away from the fire
Apart from when you're lighting the fire, keep matches and lighters away from your campfire as stray sparks could cause them to ignite.
8. Tie hair back and avoid loose clothing
Loose hair and loose clothing, such as scarves or billowing sleeves, can easily catch alight.
Tie kids' hair back as well as your own, and make sure clothes aren't going to accidentally trail in the fire.
9. Watch out for wind
It's best not to have a campfire in windy conditions. Wind can cause your fire to gust and spread sparks and debris, which could ignite trees, foliage, tents and things nearby.
10. Ensure kids know to stop, drop, roll
When starting a campfire with kids (or a bonfire, barbecue or any other sort of fire), make sure they know some basic safety rules:
- Don't go near the fire without an adult
- Don't pull sticks out of the fire
- Never put anything but wood onto the fire
- Don't put wood on without an adult
Most importantly, they need to know what to do if their hair, clothes or body catch on fire.
Running can fan flames so instead, anyone who's on fire should drop to the floor, cover their face with their hands, and roll until the flames are put out. Teach kids the phrase 'stop, drop and roll' to help them remember.
11. Never shake a flaming marshmallow
The best thing about campfires? It's got to be toasting marshmallows, right?!
Always help younger kids toast marshmallows to avoid them getting too close to the flames.
And if any marshmallows set on fire, don't shake them to put out the flames. This can lead to sparks hitting others and the burning marshmallow could also fly off the stick.
Instead, an adult can gently blow out the flames, or you could just sacrifice that marshmallow to the fire!
12. Never leave kids unattended near a campfire
No matter how much you trust your kids to behave sensibly, NEVER leave them unattended by a campfire. Wind and flying sparks can change things in an instant and an adult should always be on hand to deal with the situation.
13. Put your fire out properly
Always put your fire out properly. Even if you're just going somewhere for a short period of time, make sure it's fully out and relight it when you return.
To put your fire out:
- If possible, allow your fire to burn to ash
- Pour water over your fire until it stops hissing
- Stir ashes with a shovel to ensure they've all wet
- Pour another load of water on
- Make sure everything is cold to the touch before you leave your fire and check for any hidden burning embers
- Don't bury embers as a buried fire can smoulder and reignite
Forest School Adventure: Outdoor Skills and Play for Children by Dan Westall is a must-read for more outdoor adventure ideas! See more details here at Amazon.
Got any camping tips? Share them with other parents in out forum below…
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