Safety First Around the Campfire

By Donna Stark

There are plenty of reasons why people enjoy camping. From hiking the trails to fishing in the stream to stargazing at night, those days spent with Mother Nature sure are good for the soul. But let's not forget about the most favorite activity of all ... sitting around the campfire at night. If you are headed to the mountains or to the lake for some camping adventures, and if those adventures include eating s'mores and sharing stories around the fire, take the time to look at the following campfire safety tips. After all, we don't want your trip to be remembered for any injuries that occurred.

Pick a Clear Spot

First things first, you have to choose a spot to set your campfire up. While doing so, make sure the area is clear of anything that could catch fire if a spark were to land on it. Clear away any dead brush or dry wood, keep your tents and bags a safe distance away, and don't forget to look for low-hanging branches. The general rule is to create a safety zone of at least five feet around the fire. It's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby too!

Keep an Eye on Kids

Kids are natural explorers and their fascination with fire never seems to wane, so it is incredibly important to make sure there is always an adult nearby keeping an eye on the little ones. For safety's sake, it's a good idea to designate one person in the group to be the "fire watcher" every time the campfire is lit. That way, there won't be any misconceptions about who has their eyes on the children. And just because the fire is out doesn't mean the embers have cooled off, so keep that in mind as well.

Brush Up on First Aid Skills

The number one rule while camping is to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved. If someone does sustain an injury from the fire, or from any of the other fun activities you have planned, you will need to know how to treat them. Take some time before you leave on the trip to review some basic first aid skills and have a plan to evacuate if a serious emergency does occur.

Safety First While Camping

Campfires are truly one of the most fun activities to engage in while camping, so go ahead and set one up! Just make sure you follow the safety tips listed above, though, because the only thing that should be scary around a campfire are the ghost stories being told at the end of the night.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hillsboro, Ore.