Building and enjoying a campfire is one of the best parts of going camping. Watching the lights flicker and dance can be mesmerizing and very relaxing. Plus, you need a campfire to cook, and who doesn’t love eating?! However, extinguishing a campfire is not as easy as turning off a stove top. What’s the proper way to do it? Well, let me begin by showing you the inappropriate way: do not use your boots, and do not use your skirt, as this woman does!
To properly extinguish a campfire you should:
- Smother the fire with dirt.
- Pour water on the smoldering ashes.
- Stir the mixture. Move rocks to confirm there are no “hidden embers.”
- Add more water, if necessary.
- Use your hands to feel if the ashes are cool. Leave them there until they are absolutely cool to the touch!
- Either bury the ashes; throw them in a trash container; or pack them out with you.
Dan Schieffelin has a degree in Outdoor Education and Leadership from Sterling College in Vermont. He has worked outdoors in several stations and is an expert on extinguishing campfires. Watch as he walks you through the process of putting out a fire.
He also has some excellent tips to bear in mind after putting out the campfire and before leaving the campsite.