From the Scouts BSA Handbook: Living the Outdoor Code and Being Fire-Conscious

Created by the BSA, the Outdoor Code defines outdoor ethics for Scouts:

As an American, I will do my best to –

Be clean in my outdoor manners.

Be careful with fire.

Be considerate in the outdoors.

Be conservation-minded.

This is my absolute favorite time of year to enjoy a cozy fire with my family – it symbolizes time to reflect without the distraction of electronics. Fire also comes with responsibility! The Scouts BSA handbook defines being careful with fire as, “I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only when and where they are permitted and appropriate. When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out. I will leave a clean fire ring or remove all evidence of my fire.”

I am going to focus on three common outdoor fire uses for this article: camping and using an existing fire ring; camping and creating your own fire ring; and backyard fire pits.

Before you even start building your fire, it is important to have adult supervision and your firem’n chit (up until 18 years!), and it is also important to follow local park rules and protocol.

While building, use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Do not cart in your own firewood if you are traveling in from more than 10 miles! This could introduce non-native or pesky insects or disease to a new area. Either purchase some local wood from a store nearby or contact the administrator of the land to get advice on where to snag some.

Existing Fire Ring: No matter if you are using an existing fire ring or making your own, it is important to keep campfires small and tidy to help reduce the impact on the surrounding areas and to make it easier to contain or control your fire. Don’t let your campfire get too close to the edge or border of your fire ring.

Remember, never snap off branches or wood from standing trees – whether dead or alive, those branches could be home to birds and native wildlife. Once you are finished with the fire circle, be sure to burn everything down completely, and remove any and all remnants that are not completely consumed and deposit in a trash receptacle (obviously, after the fire has been put out completely with water and is cool).

Whether you are using an existing fire ring or building your own, be sure to check out this fire safety moment!

Building a Fire Ring: If you are out in the backcountry where you don’t have access to existing fire rings, check in with whomever manages the land where you are adventuring. Campfire permits may be required. Also check in on fire restrictions – different parts of the country have different fire seasons which will change restrictions, along with weather fluctuations. You may not be able to build your own fire ring, and you may have to find an existing one – that is really good information to be prepared with before you step foot out on your camping trip!

If all is in order and you are permitted to build your own ring, choose your designated area carefully. Remember, fire can sterilize healthy soil, so it is necessary to reduce this impact! Try and build on sand, gravel, or mineral soil and clear away all flammable objects. Use small pieces of wood (no larger than your wrist) to ensure that they burn completely and that you won’t be leaving charred wood in your wake.

Be sure to put out the fire completely, using water until it is cool, and then scatter the cool ashes. A true Leave No Trace campfire and campsite shows no sign that you were ever there!

Looking for an easy way to build a fire without compromising the wildlife? Check out our Pop Up Firepit! It lets you build a fire without having to worry so much about ruining the soil. It is made from aluminum, so the second you put that fire out and the ashes are cool, you can fold it up (it folds up to about the size of a camping chair!) and head out.

Backyard Fire Pit: Now here is where you can get creative. From buying a fire pit to building your own, the options are endless. Again, DEFINITELY check out that Pop Up Firepit (think fire pit on-the-go and not just limited to your own backyard!).

Be sure to clear away any flammables before lighting your fire, and again, local wood is best! Follow the best practices of fire safety listed above to make sure that your backyard fire stays where it belongs… in the firepit.

Be sure when you are building your camping fires to never use accelerants! Keep an adult at hand so they can help and advise you as needed, and make sure you’ve got your firem’n chit!

Fire in the form of campfires have their time and place. Be sure to stay conscious around whether or not one is absolutely necessary. If it is, make sure you follow the rules in your area to the letter and stay fire-conscious!