SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WITH REGARD TO FIRE-

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WITH REGARD TO FIRE-

Outdoor Fire Safety Rules for Scouts-

A large part of scouting is going on camping trips, and there are few things as pleasant during a camping trip as sitting by a fire, telling stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the warmth and glow of the flames. However, to fully enjoy this experience and to ensure that you do not lose control of the fire, you need to observe some basic fire safety rules. By building, tending and extinguishing a fire safely, you can ensure that you are upholding your promise as a scout to treat nature with respect.

Location

Whether in a remote area or within the confines of a scout camp, where fire pits may already be on-site, you need to ensure that the location of the fire is suitable. Remove all burnable debris, twigs and leaves in a 10-foot diameter circle from the spot where you plan to build your fire. This will help to ensure that the fire cannot spread easily. Make certain you do not build the fire in an area with overhanging branches or old stumps nearby. Be sure to have water and a shovel nearby so that you can extinguish the fire quickly if necessary.

Building a Fire

The fire-making process should be supervised by the scout leader. A fire does not have to be large to provide warmth. A good bed of coals and some stones surrounding the fire will produce plenty of heat. Use small twigs and leaves to start the fire and add bigger pieces of wood as the fire grows. Point the largest pieces of wood toward the center of the fire and push them inward as they burn.

Keep any additional wood stacked a safe distance from the fire. Even small gusts of wind can cause a fire to spread. Never run or play around a fire. You must always remember the potential harm that fire can cause and treat it respectfully. Never leave a fire unattended.

Extinguishing the Fire

Use plenty of water to douse the fire. Use a shovel to stir the coals so that you can be certain there are no remaining embers. Mix in dirt with the water and stir the embers some more. Repeat this process until you can safely touch the remnants of the fire with your bare hands. Be sure to clean the area around the campfire and leave the site ready for others to enjoy. Scouts should always remember that the goal is to leave a natural area as if you had never been there.