Campfires are a fun way to spend time with family and friends. However, if they are not used safely, they can cause serious injuries and start wildfires. Many wildfires are caused by campfires that are left unattended or not fully extinguished. This page explains how to build, use, and put out a campfire safely so you can help protect yourself, others, and the outdoors.

Before You Get Started

• Check campfire restrictions. Before starting a campfire, check if there are any fire restrictions. Campfires may not be allowed during dry or windy conditions, even in areas where they are normally permitted.
• Check if a fire permit is needed. A fire permit may be required for campfires and portable gas stoves on public lands, including lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. You can get a fire permit at www.burnpermit.fire.ca.gov.
• Bring water, a bucket, and a shovel. Bring enough water to put out your campfire, along with a bucket and shovel. Having these items nearby will help you safely put out the fire.
  

Building a Campfire

• Use an existing fire ring when possible. Build your campfire in a designated fire ring or fire pit whenever one is available. These areas are designed to help contain the fire and reduce the spread of burning embers.
  
• Choose a safe location.
  • Build your campfire away from anything that can burn.
  • Only build campfires in areas where they are allowed.
  • Choose a location at least 25 feet away from tents, trees, shrubs, and other flammable materials.
  • Avoid areas with strong winds or low-hanging branches.
  • Clear a 10-foot area around your campfire down to bare dirt. Remove leaves, grass, and other materials that can burn.
  • If you build your own fire ring, surround the fire with rocks to help contain it.
• Check wood gathering restrictions. Check local rules before collecting firewood. If collecting wood is allowed, only use wood that is already on the ground. Never cut trees or branches, even if they are dead. Dead trees and branches provide important habitat for wildlife. If collecting wood is not allowed, buy local firewood. Many stores and campground hosts sell firewood.
• Start your campfire safely. Use a match or lighter to start your fire. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a campfire.

Maintaining a Campfire

• Keep your campfire small. A small fire is easier to control and safer to manage.
• Never leave your campfire unattended. A responsible adult should watch the campfire at all times. If you leave your campsite for any reason, put out the campfire completely before you go.
• Keep children and pets safe. Always supervise children and pets around a campfire. Never allow them to play near the fire.
• Only burn firewood. Never burn plastic, cans, foil, trash, or other materials. Some items can release harmful fumes or explode when heated, including aerosol cans.
• Watch the weather. Strong winds can carry sparks into nearby vegetation and start new fires. If conditions become too windy, put out the campfire immediately.

Putting out a Campfire

• Always put out your campfire completely before leaving your campsite or going to bed.
  
• Use the “drown, stir, and feel” method to put out a fire.
  • Drown: Pour water over the fire until the hissing sound stops. Make sure all wood and coals are wet.
  • Stir: Use a shovel to stir the fire area. Turn over any remaining wood and coals, and mix the water with the ashes. Add dirt and mix again to help put out any remaining heat.
  • Feel: Use the back of your hand to check the area and make sure it is cool. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

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