Leave No Trace: Campfire Safety

The Washburn fire that threatened Yosemite’s sequoias for three weeks was extinguished on August 1, 2022, and the Oak Fire, which burnt through the Sierra National Forest and Mariposa County for nineteen days was contained on August 10, 2022. Unfortunately, these two forest fires are only two of many that we’ll witness this year: in the last decade, the U.S has averaged 61,289 forest fires every year; although climate change plays a role in the increase of forest fires, 85% of forest fires in the U.S—including the Washburn Fire—are caused by humans. 

As a wise bear once said, only you can prevent wildfires. With the exception of burn bans and other legal regulations, you don’t have to give up campfire quality time in order to prevent wildfires—as long as you’re striving to create a minimum impact fire. 

Here are five fire-safety tips to help you leave no trace during your next campfire:

1. Opt for fireless options such as lanterns, camp stoves, or propane fire pits when possible

2. Use existing fire rings whenever possible.

If there isn’t an existing fire ring, build a mound fire or use a fire pan instead

3. Allow all wood to burn to ash

Stop adding wood to the fire at least 45 minutes prior to bedtime/departure. 

4. Always have enough water on-hand to completely extinguish your fire

In order to completely extinguish your fire, you should have enough water on-hand to douse the fire, stir it, douse it again, and stir it again. Ensure the fire is completely out and cold before leaving the area. 

5. Don’t use a fire as a garbage disposal

In addition to the risk for trash fires, burning garbage releases toxins and creates air pollution. 

Remember: only you can prevent wildfires! By following the principles of leave no trace and striving to create minimum impact fires, you can help reduce the amount of yearly wildfires.