Campfires

Build a campfire, not a wildfire 

Sitting around the campfire in the evening is one life’s great pleasures. The feeling of comfort and nostalgia provided puts many of us at ease. Unfortunately, each year they are also the cause of multiple forest fires on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This page serves as your guide to properly building and putting out a campfire.  

Before you go 

The first thing you need to do before making a campfire actually occurs at home. No matter the time of year, check the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest to see if there are any fire restrictions in the area you’re visiting.  

Making your campfire 

Building fire rings 

If you’re in a developed recreation area or campground, always use an existing fire ring, rather than building one. When you’re not in a campground, build your fire ring with rocks, and disperse the rocks before you leave.

Selecting your spot 

Select an open, level spot away from trees, logs, stumps, overhanging branches, dense dry grass, and forest litter. Then clear all vegetation away from the fire ring and remove all flammable materials from the ground, such as needles, leaves, and sticks. 

Maintaining your campfire 

Keep your campfire small, particularly when conditions are dry or wind is present. Have plenty of water and a shovel nearby for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control. Never leave a campfire unattended; even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread. Make sure a responsible adult is always in attendance. 

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Putting out your campfire 

Drown 

First, drown the campfire with water. It takes more than most people think, and you can’t use too much.    

Stir 

Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off them. Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure that everything is wet. 

Feel 

Feel the coals, embers, and any partially burned wood with your hands. Everything (including the rock fire ring) should be cool to the touch. Feel under the rocks to make sure no embers underneath. When you’re done, take an extra minute and add more water. 

Check 

Finally, check the entire campsite for possible sparks or embers, because it only takes one to start a forest fire. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.  Please take the time to completely put out your campfire to prevent a wildfire.