Fire Safety Merit Badge - Req.10
- Obey all fire regulations set by the National Forest Dept.
- Pick a smart spot for your fire – away from buildings or other structures that could easily ignite, even with very little wind; at least 25 feet for campfires and 50 feet for bonfires.
- Keep your fire contained in an area free from dry grass, leaves, or trees and other vegetation where sparks could spread the fire. Use a fire ring or outdoor fireplace whenever possible.
- Have water or sand and a shovel available close by for emergency use, and to use when it’s time to put out your fire.
- Never burn on windy, dry days to keep the fire from spreading out of control.
- Never use combustible fluids like lighter fluid, charcoal lighter, gasoline or kerosene to get your fire started – even if you think it will get things going more quickly.
- Prepare dry tinder and kindling wood ahead of time and start with a small stack in your fire pit or fireplace. This will make it easier to light your fire and much easier to control how fast it grows.
- Use a long match or lighter to ignite the tinder and other starter fuel for your fire.
- Keep extra firewood a safe distance away from the fire – upwind and several yards away from blowing embers.
- Never leave your fire unattended, even if it’s down to glowing coals and hot ash.
- Pour enough water on your fire to drown all the embers – listen to make sure all the hissing has stopped and steam is no longer rising.
- Stir the remains of your fire with a shovel to thoroughly mix the ash and water together.
- Before you’re done, place a hand near the wet, dark coals and ash. Everything should feel nice and cool, not hot.
No comments:
Post a Comment