Spring and summer are prime times for getting outdoors and cooking over an open fire. But campfires can pose a serious threat if not handled responsibly. Chris Schenck, Fire Management Officer for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, cautions that even the smallest fire can sometimes get out of hand.
"Even with the recent rains, all it takes is one spark for things to go wrong. A carelessly abandoned campfire or a campfire built without safe clearance can turn a small fire into a dangerous and fast-moving blaze," he said.
Schenck encourages visitors to remember Smokey Bear's rules for campfire safety:
-- In recreation areas, use the designated fire ring or picnic grill.
-- If there is no fire ring or grill available, clear a three-foot area around the fire down to the soil.
-- Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
-- Use only dead wood lying on the ground. Do not cut live trees, or branches from trees near the campsite.
-- Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
-- After lighting, do not discard the match until it is cold.
-- Never leave a campfire unattended, not even for a minute.
-- Douse the campfire with water and stir the ashes until it cold to the touch.
"Also be careful with cigarettes," he said. "Carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches are a major cause of fires, so make sure they are out cold before discarding."
For more information, visit the website at: www.fs.usda.gov/texas