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 you’ve 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 you’re finished douse the fire area again before you leave or go to bed. Water, water and more water. There’s 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 it’s 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 hand.
Stay with the fire until it’s 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 Ontario’s 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 Ontario’s 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 owner’s 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.

Build a safe campfire.