University of Utah Health released safety guidelines aimed at preventing burns during campfire activities. While campfires are a central part of outdoor experiences, they can cause serious injuries if proper precautions are not taken.
Statistics on campfire burn injuries
Thousands of people receive treatment in emergency departments for campfire-related burns every year, with young children being among the most frequent patients. Many injuries occur during campsite setup when children approach fire pits that remain hot from previous users. Embers can stay warm for 12 to 14 hours after a fire has been extinguished, maintaining a persistent danger.
Safe clothing choices for camping
To prevent burns, experts recommend wearing tight-fitting clothing when cooking over camp stoves or fires. It is advised to avoid fabrics such as rayon, acrylic, and cotton blends because these materials ignite easily and burn quickly. Additionally, clothing that does not require being pulled over the head is preferred, as it is easier to remove if a fire occurs. Users should also be cautious with fire-resistant clothing, which may become more flammable after multiple washes.
Proper fire extinguishing procedures
Safety measures include maintaining a bucket of water or another water source near the fire to quickly extinguish flames and cool embers. Before leaving a campsite or going to sleep, it is necessary to completely extinguish the fire and ensure all embers are cool to the touch.
Creating a campfire safety zone
Establishing a safety zone is also critical. Experts recommend a perimeter of at least three feet around campfires. Adults should always supervise children near the fire and enforce this safety zone throughout the camping trip.
Emergency response and fire suppression
In the event of an emergency, both adults and children should know the stop, drop, and roll method if clothing catches fire. If a fire involves gasoline or other accelerants, using a thick blanket or appropriate material to smother the flames is recommended, followed by an immediate call to emergency services.
