While a campfire can be one of the more enjoyable aspects of camping, it can also be one of the more dangerous elements. Any campfire not tended to properly can turn into a wildfire. More than 600 homes are burned by wildfires each year in the U.S. alone.

Take steps to increase fire safety without sacrificing the fun.

•Start by checking the regulations of the area to make sure campers are permitted to have an open fire. Identify sources to purchase local firewood.

•Find a flat, open area, away from tents and cabins, that doesn’t have overhanging branches.

•Clear the area of any leaves or other debris.

•Make a ring of stones to surround the fire area or, on a beach, dig a hole a foot deep.

•Have a bucket of water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher handy in case of emergency.

•Don’t move firewood but burn it at the place of purchase. Firewood can introduce destructive insects, such as the emerald ash borer beetle, if the wood is moved from an infested area. Some states have restrictions on people traveling with firewood to help stop the spread of invasive pests. Play it safe and purchase firewood from a local vendor.

•The wood for a campfire should be dry. Don’t try to burn green wood.

•Three types of materials are needed so a campfire will burn properly: tinder, kindling and fuel.

Use tinder to start a fire: dry leaves, grass, pine needles, shredded bark, wood shavings or dryer lint. Never use flammable fluids to start a fire.

Kindling consists of small sticks or twigs, no bigger than a pencil.

Fuel are pieces of wood about the size of the upper arm.

•Once a fire’s begun, never leave it unattended.

•Burn all wood or coals to ash. Wet down the fire area with water and then scatter the cooled ashes.

Make sure everything is cold and that the campfire is completely extinguished before leaving the campsite. That way, the campsite will be ready for the next visitors and the next campfire.

This story provided by North America Precis Syndicate Inc.