Five Steps to Camp Safely During Wildfire Season

Camp safely this summer with these five tips!

We all love the outdoors, but make sure that you camp safely by following these five steps! And make sure to share these tips with your family and friends.Header image – Couple roating food over a campfire. Description: 5 STEPS TO PREVENT WILDFIRES WHILE CAMPING. This summer, you can help keep your fellow Californians and our beautiful wildlife safe from forest fires.Graphic of the tent with the outline of the state of California behind it. Description: Fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer, so this summer as you enjoy California's 28 national parks - take the necessary steps to prevent wildfires. HERE ARE 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING AND MAINTAINING YOUR CAMPFIRE:

Graphics of fire pit, open locations, shovel and ax cutting wood. Description: 1) Make your fire safely – • You should always use the campsite-provided fire pit if one is available. If not, there are several things to keep in mind when building your own: » Select a level, open location. » Stay away from natural fuels like logs, brush, leaf litter or pine needles. These can act as fuel for a fire and can cause a fire to burn out of control. » Clear an area at least 10 feet in diameter (local regulations may vary). » Scrape away grass, leaves or needles down to the mineral soil. » Scoop a depression in the center of the cleared area in which to build the fire. » Cut wood in short lengths, pile within the cleared area and light the fire.Graphic of fire burning. Description: 2) Only build your fire as large as necessary LARGE FIRES ARE MORE LIKELY TO BURN OUT OF CONTROL • To keep your fire contained, put a ring of rocks around it and use minimal wood-just enough to cook or keep warm.Graphics of people watching a fire. Description: 3) Never leave a fire unattended for any amount of time • An unwatched fire can quickly burn out of control due to sparks carried by the wind, brush on the ground or other factors. To be safe, always keep an eye on the fire and be ready to extinguish it. • An adult should always be present when the fire is burning.Graphic of a bear. Description: To learn more camping safety tips, visit Parks.CA.qov.