By CHAD ESTES
Fort Polk Fire Emergency Services
FORT POLK, La. — The warmer seasons are highlighted by roasting marshmallows and making those old favorites — s’mores — around the campfire. Wonderful memories can be created with family members and friends. Unfortunately, unattended or illegal campfires can cause serious injuries and wildfires.
It is important to keep those memories pleasant by following some safety tips:
• To build a campfire, select a level, shaded location away from heavy fuels such as logs, tents and other flammable materials like overhanging branches, brush or decaying leaves and needles. Recreational fires such as campfires need to be at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn. Permitted open fires, such as bonfires or trash fires, need to be at least 50 feet from anything that can burn.
• Designated fire pits should be used when available. If allowed in the area, use a shovel to clear an area at least 10 feet in diameter around the fire ring (local regulations may vary). Scrape away grass, leaves or needles down to the soil.
• Scoop a depression in the center of the cleared area on which to build the fire and place a ring of rocks around it.
• Cut wood in short lengths, pile within the cleared area and light the fire. The fire should be built low; tall raging campfires can create large amounts of burning embers.
Never use an accelerant such as gasoline to start the fire. Never use large amounts of paper in your fire or to start the fire.
• When burning, have a hose, a bucket of water or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to extinguish the fire.
• Children should always be supervised around a campfire. Never let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire.
• Fire must never be left unattended. The fire must be extinguished completely before everyone leaves camp.
To properly extinguish your campfire:
• Fill a bucket with water and pour it on the campfire while completely stirring and wetting all the ashes. Turn wood and coals over and wet all sides.
• Move some of the dirt immediately adjacent to the fire into the fire and mix thoroughly.
• Feel with your hand all around the fire to be sure nothing is still smoldering.
Leaving a campfire unattended is a violation of federal law punishable by a fine of $225 to $5,000 and as many as six months in jail. You could also be held liable for fire suppression costs if a campfire that you began got out of control and started a wildfire. Always follow safety measures so that you leave with a season full of good memories.