Safety: The Key to Happy Campfire Memories

What could be more Canadian than roasting marshmallows, singing songs and socializing around a roaring campfire in the evening? Follow this simple advice from the Canada Safety Council to help make sure everyone will have happy memories.

• If there is a fire pit use it, but first make sure it is free of hazards. Otherwise, look for some bare ground.
• Clear debris such as leaves or twigs away in a three-metre diameter area around the fire site, and build a circle of rocks to prevent the fire from spreading.
• Adults, not kids, should start campfires. Use tinder (e.g. dry needles or grass) or crumpled newspaper to ignite the fire — never gas.
• Keep the fire under adult surveillance at all times: supervise children and pets; and prevent the fire from getting too big or sparks from flying into the bush.
• Have a bucket of water, sand and a shovel handy.
• Totally extinguish the fire before you go to sleep or when you leave the site.
• Always carry a flashlight to find your way at dusk or in the dark and help others find you — one flashlight per person.