Stay Safe
National forests and grasslands are ours to enjoy now. We want them to be enjoyed for future generations as well. So it is up to all of us to care for these natural resources. This means we can all enjoy the recreational activities of our choosing, but we must do it responsibly.
Safety topics
- Keep fires small and bring firewood purchased in the local area. Firewood brought from another area could also bring invasive pests.
- If you have to collect firewood at your campsite, collect dead and down wood only.
- Check at the local ranger station for current fire restrictions, which can change on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis.
- Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter and any other burnable material within a 10-foot diameter surrounding the ring.
- Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring. Do not feed a large log into the fire ring.
- Have a shovel, axe and bucket of water available before lighting your campfire.
- Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a few minutes or even if there are no flames present. Many wildfires start because of abandoned fires or because someone thought a fire was out.
- Put out a campfire by slowly pouring water onto the fire and stirring with a shovel. Continue adding water and stirring until all material is cool to touch.
- Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite.