Fire Safety For Kids While Camping

Each summer, thousands of kids wind up in the emergency room for campfire-related burns; approximately half of them are not even 4 years old. But your children don't have to be one of the statistics. If you're taking kids camping, there are a few simple ways to ensure they remain safe around the fire.

Supervise

Watch your child the entire time he is near a fire. By doing this, you ensure he doesn't get too close to the flames, and in case he does, you can act immediately. Watching him also provides opportunity to provide ongoing fire education to him.

Go Small

Create a small, manageable fire during your camping experience. It will be easier to maintain in the long run, safer to have around children and is easier to put out. Also, keep your fire in the designated fire ring at your site.

Put It Out

Extinguish your campfire any time it will be unattended. Use a bucket of water and dirt to put out the fire when you're going to bed or are leaving your campsite. Teach your child to do the same, and feel the ground surrounding the fire pit to make sure it's not warm before you leave.

Clean Ring

Before starting your fire, prep the area surrounding the fire pit by cleaning away any debris within a five-foot radius. Clear away all leaves and sticks until you reach soil to ensure any loose embers that escape the fire pit will not light a second, unwanted fire. Stack your extra wood a few feet upwind from the fire for further safety.

Adults Only

Building a fire is a dangerous activity that requires attention to detail and precaution. Therefore, it should only be performed by an adult. To ensure the safety of your child, keep matches and lighters out of her reach at all times.