Camping planner / Campfire safety

Campfire safety for beginners

First confirm that a fire is permitted right now. Use an established ring, keep the fire small and continuously attended, keep water ready, and extinguish it completely until every coal is cold to the touch.

A campfire is optional.

Use a stove for cooking, layers for warmth, and a headlamp for light when restrictions, wind, dry conditions, missing equipment, or uncertainty make a fire inappropriate.

Campfire go-or-no-go check

The managing agency currently permits campfires at this exact siteAn established fire ring is provided and required clearances are metPlenty of water and a shovel are beside the ring before lightingWind and current fire conditions are acceptable under official guidanceA responsible adult will attend the fire continuouslyThere is enough time to drown, stir, and repeat until everything is cold

Default decision: no fireCheck every condition before reconsidering.

While the fire is burning

Keep it small and inside the established ring.
Never leave it unattended, even briefly.
Keep extra firewood and other combustibles away from the ring.
Stop if wind or conditions change.
Do not burn trash, glass, metal, or prohibited materials.

Putting it out

Pour water over the fire, embers, and coals.
Stir thoroughly so hidden hot material is exposed.
Add more water and stir again.
Check carefully for heat. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

Never bury hot coals. Soil or sand can insulate heat and allow material to smolder and reignite.

Sources

National Park Service: Campfires — local rules, attendance, emergencies, and extinguishing.
National Park Service: Grand Teton Fire Safety — water, stirring, hidden embers, and current restrictions.
National Park Service: Minimize Campfire Impacts — no-fire alternatives and water/stir/repeat guidance.

Plan the cooking alternative too.