Outdoors

The campfire area

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Fires go only in the prepared fire ring. Before you leave, you put it out with water — completely.

  1. Only in the stone ring. Nowhere else in the orchard.
  2. Put a bucket of water next to the fire before you light it.
  3. In strong wind, no fire at all.
  4. Before leaving: water, stir the ashes, water again — until you feel no heat above them.
Why it matters

Sand doesn't put a fire out

Sand and soil only cover the embers. Underneath they stay hot for hours, can flare up at the first gust of wind, and will burn the foot of anyone who steps there. Water is what puts it out.

The hand test

Hold the back of your hand a hand's width above the ashes. If you feel heat, add more water and stir again. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.

No flammable liquids

Petrol, spirit, lighter fluid — the flame travels up the stream to your hand. Light it with paper, thin kindling and patience.

Never bring embers into a cabin, the caravan or a tent. Smouldering charcoal and wood give off carbon monoxide: you can't see it, you can't smell it, and in a closed space it kills.

A fire is never left alone

Not even while you fetch another log. Someone stays with it until it's out.

Any incident: 112.