Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Fire and Aviation - Fire Safety

CAMPFIRES

Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves. Pile any extra wood away from the fire.

Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.

Keep the campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fre surrounded by rocks gives plenty of heat. Scrape away litter, duff ad any burnable material within a 10-foot-diameter. This will keep a small campfire from spreading.

Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold. Break it so that you can feel the charred portion before discarding it. Make sure it is cold. Conserve matches - carry a candle as a fire starter.

Before leaving, drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks - there may be burning embers underneath.

Stir the remains, add more water and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix soil or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled.

Finally, feel all material with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals - they can smolder and break out.

LANTERNS, STOVE & HEATERS

Cool all lanterns stoves and heaters before refueling. Place them on the ground in a cleared area and fill them. If fuel spills, move the appliance to a new clearing before lighting it. Recap and store flammable liquid containers in a safe place. Never light lanterns or stoves inside a tent, trailer or camper. If you use a lantern or stove inside a tent or trailer make sure that you have adequate ventilation. Alwayse read and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.

SPARK ARRESTERS

All types of equipment and vehicles are required to have spark arresters. Chain saws, portable generators, cross-country vehicles and trail bikes - to name a few - require spark arresters if used in or near grass, brush or a wooded area. To make sure that the spark arrester is functioning properly, check with the dealer.

SMOKING

When smoking is permitted outdoors, safe practices require at least a 3-foot clearing around the smoker. Grind out your cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco in the dirt. Never grind it on a stump or log. It is unsafe to smoke while walking or riding a horse or trail bike. Use your ashtray while in your car.

BRIQUETS

After using the burning charcoal briquets, "dunk 'em!" Don't sprinkle, soak the coals with lots of water; stir them and soak again. Be sure they are out - cold! Carefully feel the coals with your bare hands to be sure.