Guide · Fire

Choosing a safe fire site

A fire in the wrong place can get out of control, damage the ground or hurt people. A few minutes choosing a good spot makes your fire safer and easier to manage.

Check if you can have a fire

In many places, fires are restricted or banned during dry periods or in certain areas. If you're not in an emergency, check and respect local rules. In an emergency, take extra care.

What to look for

• Sheltered from strong wind, but not in a narrow gap that funnels it.
• Open sky above, with no low or overhanging branches.
• Bare earth, sand, gravel or rock. Ideally use an existing fire ring if there is one.
• Downwind of your shelter, and far enough away — at least 3 metres (10 feet) — that sparks won't land on it.
• Near water if possible, to put the fire out.

What to avoid

• Dry grass, leaves, heather and pine needles, which catch quickly and spread fire.
• Peat and deep, spongy soil. Fire can burn down into it and smoulder underground for days, then pop up somewhere else.
• Tree roots. These can also carry fire underground.
• Against a tree trunk or under a tree.
• River stones or rocks from wet places. Water trapped inside can turn to steam and crack or burst them.
• Near fuel, gas canisters or your kit.

Preparing the site

1. Clear a circle about 3 metres (10 feet) across, scraping away leaves, twigs and anything that burns down to bare soil.
2. Make a ring of dry stones if available, to contain the fire.
3. In wet or snowy ground, build on a platform of green or wet logs, laid side by side.
4. Cut turf carefully if you need to: lift a square of turf, set it aside upside down and keep it damp. Replace it when you leave so there's little trace.
5. Keep water or a pile of soil nearby before you light anything.

Keep it small

A small fire is easier to control, uses less wood, and gives plenty of heat if you sit close. Build it bigger only when you need to signal or dry lots of gear.

Using a reflector

A wall of logs or a large rock on the far side of the fire reflects heat back towards you and blocks wind. Keep at least a metre between the fire and the wall, so it doesn't catch.

While it burns

• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep children and pets back.
• Keep spare wood stacked well away from the flames.
• Watch for sparks blowing away, especially as the wind picks up.

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