Campfire Safety Tips for Summer Vacations
By: Emily Liebelt - Adirondack Council Clarence Petty Intern
Photo from NYSDEC Camping Guide 2014
Sitting around a campfire is one of the great, simple pleasures of enjoying a visit to the Adirondack Park. The pop and crackle, the warm glow and soft light seem to make the perfect centerpiece for gatherings of friends and family.
July and August are the busiest times for vacations, camping and celebrations in the Adirondacks. Most everyone will want to sit around a campfire during their stay. Here are some environmental and personal safety tips to make sure your fun in the woods isn’t interrupted:
First, make sure open fires are permitted. A few locations on the Forest Preserve, including the eastern half of the High Peaks Wilderness, are off-limits to open fires due to intensive use of the campsites and concerns over ecological damage by too much scavenging for firewood.
Second, check the state’s Fire Danger Risk Map to be sure it’s safe to start a fire in that part of the Park. Click HERE to view Map.
Third, follow these excellent tips from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation:
- Keep campfire size less than 3 ft. in height and 4 ft. in diameter or length and width.
- Burn only dry, untreated wood (no paints, stains or pressure treated lumber) in your fire.
- Burn only local firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Never burn trash which includes: plastic, metal (such as cans) and glass.
- Never use fire accelerants such as kerosene, gasoline or lighter fluid.
- Stay out of the smoke, which contains pollutants that are unhealthy to humans and pets.
- Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure it is fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave.
Fourth, enjoy your vacation!
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