Aviation and Forest Fire Management Is Your Campfire Safe? Main Menu The Threat of Fire Forest fires cost the people of Ontario millions of dollars. On average, about 200,000 hectares of forest lands are destroyed by fire each year. Campfires are the leading cause of forest fires, while smoking materials, such as cigarettes, are second. Ontario s forests are an important resource. They are worth about $11 billion yearly to the forest products and recreation industries and provide thousands of jobs. By following simple fire safety rules, you can help keep our forests green for the enjoyment and use of everyone. Who Causes Fires in Ontario Among forest fires caused by people, recreational forest users cause the greatest number: On average 232 per year. ANGLERS - 36% CAMPERS - 23% BERRY PICKERS - 19% CANOEISTS - 10% HUNTERS - 9% PICNICKERS - 3% Smoking in the Woods Sit down to smoke. Choose a spot that is free from anything that could catch fire. Put out smoking materials thoroughly; douse in water or crush out in mineral soil (sand or gravel) or on bare rock. Campfires Always follow safe campfire practices to prevent your campfire from starting a forest fire. Remember, you could be held responsible for the cost of putting out the forest fire, and for any property damage. Choose Your Site Carefully Select a site with easy access to water, sheltered from prevailing winds. The fire must be built on bare rock or non-combustible material. Your fire should be a least three metres away from any logs, stumps or standing trees and 15 metres away from any buildings or forest debris that might catch fire. The space above your fire must be free from any overhanging branches for a distance of at least 3 metres. If you make a circle of rocks around your fire, make sure the rocks do not hide hot coals after you leave. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/affmb/fire/safeburning/safe.htm (1 of 5) [12/21/2001 12:39:34 PM]
Preparing the Site Start by clearing a one metre space around your campfire site. Remove all pine needles, grasses, leaves and twigs. Scrape away the surface area right down to mineral soil or non-combustible material. Keep your fire small. Your campfire cannot exceed one metre in height and one metre in diameter. Besides, a smaller fire will keep your cooking tools from blackening and let you get close enough to cook. Remember that the forest is no place for a bonfire, and a small fire is easier to control and to put out. Stay Nearby Never leave your campfire unattended and keep these fire regulations in mind: a) Don t start a fire outdoors unless conditions will allow the fire to burn safely from start to extinguishment; b) Never leave your fire. If you must, leave someone in charge; c) A person who starts a fire outdoors must take all necessary steps to tend the fire, keep it under control, and extinguish the fire before leaving the site. To Report a Forest Fire... Report the fire immediately to your local Municipal Fire Department or local MNR office. Be ready to provide the following information: location - lot, concession, street address buildings which may be threatened what is burning - grass, leaves, types of trees closeness to water sources - hydrant, lake, pond size - land area covered by fire Give your name in case more information is required. How To Manage Your Fire Build your campfire at least three metres from any logs, stumps or standing trees. Be sure the site is at least 15 metres away from any flammable structure or flammable forest debris. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/affmb/fire/safeburning/safe.htm (2 of 5) [12/21/2001 12:39:34 PM]
Remove all leaves, twigs and flammable material from an area extending at least one metre around the fire and make sure there is at least 3 metres to any overhanging vegetation. Scrape top layers down to mineral soil or non-combustible material within this circle. Never light a fire when strong winds are blowing. Be sure you have the right equipment handy to control the fire. A pail of water and a shovel are ideal. A small, hot fire is best for cooking. Never leave your campfire unattended. Your campfire should not exceed 1 metre in height and 1 metre in diameter. How To Put Your Fire Out Begin by thoroughly drowning your fire with water as soon as possible after use. The ground will cool faster and the hazard to surrounding trees or shrubs will be greatly reduced. If you circled your campfire with rocks, http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/affmb/fire/safeburning/safe.htm (3 of 5) [12/21/2001 12:39:34 PM]
make sure the rocks are not hiding any hot coals. Move the rocks to make sure. Stir the ashes with a stick to uncover hot coals. This will cool the fire faster and allow the water to soak in better. Drown it again! Make doubly sure the fire is dead out before you leave the site or retire for the evening. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/affmb/fire/safeburning/safe.htm (4 of 5) [12/21/2001 12:39:34 PM]
Return to Safe Burning Modified December 13, 2001 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2001 http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/affmb/fire/safeburning/safe.htm (5 of 5) [12/21/2001 12:39:34 PM]