Wildfires are no joking matter. There are rules and regulations in place for a reason. The rampant fires around the world are hazardous not only to the local flora and fauna, but they also impact the evolutionary and genetic patterns of foreign organisms. It is not only an area of wood-burning during a wildfire, but it is also a whole ecosystem losing its main source of oxygen. The lungs of the planet are crippled whenever wildfires ravage any forest or nature reserve. With global warming prevailing around the globe, every resource is priceless. Wasting these precious reserves which take years to build up is the most frivolous and criminal endeavor one can attempt. To do so out of callousness or sheer laziness is even worse.
The moral thing to do in this condition is to familiarize yourself with the rules and follow all safety precautions. Ignorance is never a virtue and especially in this case, it is felonious. One must never ignore basic safety precautions. Common sense is also the main indicator of what to do and what not to do. Some other tips and precautions are as follows which must always be observed, without fail.
The Essentials, Tips, and Rules
- Never assume anything.
- No running in the designated fire pit area. Ever. Even if there is no fire. Keep abreast of kids and pets.
- Pay attention to the wind. Most fires lose control due to heavy gales. To make sure a sudden gust of wind doesn’t turn your campfire into a wildfire, keep all your outdoor gear and everything flammable, including unused firewood, upwind, and at least 15 feet away from the fire. The 15-foot rule also goes for your tent and clothing hung to dry.
- No adding any kindling or wood to the fire while it is burning except by the authorized personnel adding pre-approved pyrotechnics.
- Always attend a burning fire. Never assume it will go out on its own. Even when it rains.
- The use of water and sand buckets is different. Learn the difference and how to counter different types of fires. Keep these supplies handy.
- Put out a fire properly. Attend it until the ashes are cold to touch.
- Never build a fire on the grass, a random rock, or a bedrock unless you are 100% sure of the rock composition. Many rocks are explosive in nature.
- Wear appropriate and tight clothing around a campfire. Nylon and other fabrics like this are a no-go as well as ribbons, laces, etc.
- Rules change. Especially for unsupervised campfires, always keep up-to-date on the rules.
- A fire never has to be roaring. Use small kindling and create a manageable flame.
- Use local firewood. Firewood can carry parasites, diseases, and pests throughout the journey. Using them in non-native forests can spread disease and can cause mass depletion of wood.
- Never use a flammable liquid to ignite your fire! Please avoid gasoline, lighter fluid, diesel fuel, and other dangerous liquids to prevent serious accidents and injuries. Use matchsticks or a far better option is magnesium fire starters.
