1. Let the Fire Burn Down
If you know you're going to be putting out the fire soon, try to avoid adding more firewood. You want the fire to be burning down before to put out the campfire properly. Don't put more firewood on the fire before you go to bed if you know you'll be moving on in the morning. To break up the fire, take a stick and poke it into the burning firewood. Break apart the wood and charcoal and spread the ash around so it dies down even more. However, watch out for sparks. Make sure you're not leaning too far over the fire and don't have loose clothing or loose hair that a spark can alight on.
2. Put Water Over the Coals
Once you've let the fire burn down, go ahead and pour a little water over it. If the fire smokes a great deal, give it a few more minutes to burn down before pouring more water over it. Pour the water slowly, watching for smoke. Continue to stir the coals around to make sure the water gets to all the coals and burnt pieces. You want to avoid smoke and you want to leave your fire cold to prevent the camp fire from suddenly whipping up and spreading.
3. Use Dirt
While water is the best solution for putting out a fire, if you don't have water or you have limited amounts, use moist dirt. Shovel dirt on top of the fire; you're trying to suffocate the fire since fire can't exist without oxygen. You'll have to stir the ash and burnt bits of wood to make sure the dirt has completely covered the embers. However, make sure you don't bury any burning embers as these can burst into flame.
4. Make Sure Your Fire's Out
Before you leave your campsite, you'll have to make sure your fire's completely out. To do this, move any light sources away from the fire. Poke a stick into the embers and watch for bright spots. Move any rocks as fire can exist beneath the rocks. If you notice any, pour more water over the campfire. Continue to do this until you're sure the fire's completely out. Some experts recommend feeling embers with your hands to make sure they're not hot.
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