Safety measures if you will make a bonfire this summer

We have almost reached the summer holidays, so camping outings in natural spaces will not wait. And while a campfire is often a requirement if you’re out camping, and a great way to get together with friends and loved ones to enjoy the night and sing for long hours, it’s also a site prone to mishaps.

Every year, bonfire accidents send thousands of people to emergency rooms, the National Fire Protection Association notes.

Given this, the association recommends taking the following security measures:

1. Keep fires 7 meters away from any structure.
2. Avoid lighting fires on dry, windy days.
3. Keep an eye on children and pets while the fire burns.
4. You must be aware of the fire at all times.
5. Always have a source of water nearby.
6. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the site.

REMEMBER: The safety of fire begins long before you have lit the fire. When you are exploring where you will light it, make sure it is not under a low branch or tree or near any brush or shrub. These plants can easily catch fire if the fire gets bigger than expected. Also try to keep a radius of 2.5 to 3 meters around the campfire, away from tents, chairs, food, and other objects, as well as away from old or dried wood, grass, or grass debris.

11 tips to prevent burns due to bonfires

Building bonfires is often a popular way to spend time with friends and/or family, whether they take place on the beach, a nearby forest, or even in a garden.

While they are synonymous with fun and a good time, campfires can also quickly become a source of burns, one expert warned.

A campfire is a common way to celebrate important events, but they carry a risk of serious burns, especially among teens, said Dr. Arthur Sanford, a burner surgeon at Loyola Medicine in Maywood, Illinois, in the United States.

Preventive measures

“The only guaranteed way to prevent burns from a campfire is to not actually do it. But if you decide to have a bonfire at the prom, graduation, or other occasions, there are simple ways to minimize the risk of burns, “he stressed.

The expert recommended following the following prevention guidelines to avoid burns when spending time around a campfire:

1. Check the weather conditions beforehand and cancel campfire plans if strong winds are predicted.
2. Carefully clear all brush near the fire pit area.
3. Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby at all times.
4. Use newspaper and small pieces of wood to start the fire, as they are the safest way to do it.
5. If you choose to use flammable charcoal liquid, the container should be sealed after each use and kept away from fire.
6. Avoid pouring flammable liquid when the fire has started.
7. Never use accelerators such as gasoline, diesel, or kerosene. Also, never spray aerosols or throw cans or fireworks into the fire.
8. Keep the size of the fire manageable, preferably try to never exceed half a square meter.
9. Everyone present should keep a safe distance and never play near the fire.
10. Avoid drinking alcohol near the campfire.
11. Always put out the campfire completely before leaving. Move the ashes and wet them thoroughly with water, as hot ashes can continue to cause burns.