Sometimes it can be very boring just sitting in the house, flicking through the channels, trying to see if there is something good to watch on the TV screen. Sometimes you have to go outside and get some sunshine. That’s why we recommend engaging in outdoor activities. But at the same time, outdoor fire safety for kids also goes hand in hand.
Engaging in outdoor activities is a great way to spend time with the family, especially the kids. Let’s be honest here, kids can be a handful. You try to watch them the best way you can, but they always seem to slip through your fingers like the little brats they are. This is why outdoor activities are so important. It allows them to release as much energy as they can without messing up the house.
But before you jump into activities like barbecuing, lighting a campfire, or anything involving flammable items, we recommend that you follow a few safety tips. Remember, you must be sure that these activities do not put anyone at risk for fires or burns. Below we will discuss outdoor fire safety for kids as we proceed.
Note: When camping, you must use extra precaution when dealing with flammable liquids or open flame(s) near tents. Make sure that before you leave a campsite, the fire is properly extinguished. Additionally, we recommend that you douse the fire with water.
Secure the proper permits to build a campfire
You would be surprised to know that many people do not know how to light a proper campfire. Luckily for you, if you are one of these people, you will find that obtaining a proper permit can be helpful. Obtaining a proper permit will not just ensure that you will know how to light a proper campfire, it will also ensure that you understand fire safety. If you are planning on taking the kids on a camping trip, visit your local fire station and get your hands on a permit to build proper campfires.
Don’t use flammable liquids to start a fire
We know you may be tempted, but please don’t use flammable liquids to start a fire when you have children around. Although flammable liquids can start a quickfire, they can also cause a fire to spread if the residue is left over. What would be even more catastrophic is if “Little Timmy” gets a hold of the lighter fluid and starts spraying away.
If you want to learn how to properly light a campfire, we recommend that you follow the steps below:
STEP 1: Gather Your Tools
Make sure that you gather the proper tools to build a fire. Regardless of what you may see, building a campfire is more than simply gathering a few logs in a bundle and toss on a match. You will need specific tools to make sure that you are prepared to light a proper fire.
The main item you will need is Tinder. Ah! No, we are not talking about the app in case you’re wondering! Tinder is the smallest and easiest burning materials used to light a campfire. There are many forms of Tinder. Luckily for you, Tinder can take on many forms. Some forms include:
- Wood shavings
- Wadded paper
- Strips of cardboard
- Commercial fire sticks or fire starters
- Dryer lint
- Wax
STEP 2: Build the Fire
Before you can start a campfire, you must build it first. Make sure your items are mixed in an orderly fashion, you do not want to start a campfire disorganized. We recommend that you use a fire ring if you have one on sight. If not, you will have to create yourself one. To create a fire ring, we recommend that you push the ash and charcoal from previous fires to the outer edge of the ring. This will give you enough room for the new fire.
Next, lay a bed of tinder. Where? – at the center of the fire ring.
STEP 3: Light the Fire
At last, now it’s time for you to light a fire. Just grab a match and gently sit it down in the middle of the Tinder. Once your campfire is established, make sure that you add more wood as needed. The last thing you want is for the flames to be too high.
Note: Remember to keep children and pets away, then light your tinder. For best results make sure to light the tinder from various sides. Don’t transmit lighter charcoal fluid into a fire. As flames travel up the stream they can potentially burn you. And NEVER use gasoline!
Supervise Your Children
Look, we understand that it’s not possible to watch every little thing your children are doing. But when it comes to outdoor fire safety, supervising your kids must be at the top of your priorities. We recommend standing at a safe distance and analyzing everything your children are doing. Just make sure you keep your eyes on that fire!