FireSmart Brochure
Campfires are one of the leading causes of wildfires.
Safe Campfires are built:
- on bare soil or exposed rock (remove leaves and twigs)
- sheltered from the wind
- at least three metres from logs, stumps, trees, overhanging branches or other flammable material such as tents
- at least 15 metres from buildings
Safe Campfires have:
- a pail of water or a shovel at hand to control the fire
- someone tending them all the time
Safe Campfires are:
- Small. A small fire is best for cooking, easier to control and
put out.
The forest is no place for a bonfire.
- Put out as soon as possible. How?
- Douse with water then stir the ashes with a stick or shovel to uncover hot coals. Stirring the ashes helps the fire and the ground around it to cool faster and allows the water to soak in better.
- If youve surrounded the fire with rocks, move them, to make sure that no hot coals are hiding under them, and douse the remaining coals with water.
- And, when you think youre finished douse the fire area again before you leave or go to bed. Water, water and more water. Theres no such thing as being too careful.
Don't start a wildfire while burning grass or debris near your cottage or home!
- Burn debris only when its not windy during the coolest and dampest time of day; two hours before sunset or later.
- Burn in an incinerator or on rocky ground surrounded by a ditch or ploughed ground.
- Keep the fire small, and have a rake, shovel and water at han
- Stay with the fire until its out.
Know where you are
These are the numbers to report
a forest fire:
1-888-284-3473
1-888-863-3473
Call your local fire department
Visit our website at affm.mnr.gov.on.ca if you want to know more about Ontarios forests and wildfire management policies. Look for the Be FireSmart symbol on our web site affm.mnr.gov.on.ca. It opens the door to all the information you need to learn about Ontarios forests and wildfire management policies. Give a copy of this information sheet to your friends. Download it from our website along with other wildfire prevention information such as:
- Burning grass and woody debris safely
- The FireSmart Home owners manual
- Protect your forest home or summer cottage
- What you should now about restricted fire zones.
FireSmart is a trademark of Partners in Protection and is used by permission.
2006, Queens Printer for Ontario
Printed in Ontario, Canada
Build a safe campfire.
