Choosing a Site for Your Fire

There Are Lots of Different
Locations For Your Fire
(Safety, Dry, Efficient)

Whether you are going to build a fire in your backyard, on the run, at the campsite, on a through hike, on a rock climb, etc. the selection can be the difference between disaster, warmth, hunger, thirst, or worse. Spending time up front increases the possibilities of a good outcome.

The Placement of the Fire is Important

There many regulations, even in the most remote areas, limiting the size, type, and placement of any type of fire and open fires especially. Make sure that you have made right inquiries before you leave in order to avoid steep, painful fines.

Choose a place where you have:

• Easy access to water - (to put out fire)
  
• Above high water mark
  • (to not be swamped in rain or high tide)
• Overhead clearance
  • Smoke rises – it must a have clear path up
• Clear perimeter – embers must not be able to reach combustible material
  • Always consider prevailing winds
    • Smoke and embers will cause problems increase safe zone accordingly
  • At least 15 ft from surrounding logs, trees, tents, and buildings
• If required by law locate the fire ring
  • Make sure that the ring has not been moved to and unsafe location
• Clear the ground of all flammable material