No one wants to lose a jet ski – or worse, their home – over an improperly extinguished campfire.
This 1/4 acre fire on Sunday started after a campfire from the previous evening re-ignited and spread across the owner’s backyard.
Here are some tips for properly extinguishing a campfire from our friend Smokey Bear:
Allow the wood to burn to ash if possible. Pour lots of water on the fire. Drown ALL embers, not just red ones. Pour until the hissing sound stops. If you don’t have enough water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire. Make sure no embers are exposed and still smoldering. Continue adding water, dirt, or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool.
Remember – if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave! Keep your family and your community safe by properly extinguishing outside fires.