Weather & safety

A small campfire, properly finished

Check permission first, keep it manageable and leave no warm embers behind.

A tent pitched at a woodland campground.

Check before lighting

A battery lantern and headlamp.
After dark

A fire ring does not mean fires are currently allowed. Ask the host or check the land manager’s latest notices, especially in dry or windy conditions. Use locally approved firewood. Keep tents, spare wood and other flammable belongings well away from the fire area; follow the site’s required clearances.

Make it easy to manage

A battery lantern and headlamp.
After dark

Keep the fire small, water nearby and a responsible adult attending it. Supervise children and pets. Burn only material allowed by the site and never put rubbish into the fire. Leave yourself plenty of time to put the fire out before bed.

A tent in a woodland campground.
Worth remembering

Check the forecast for the place you will actually camp.

Finish the job

A folded map, compass and small daypack.
Maps & walking

Douse with water and stir the ashes and embers, adding more water until everything is cold. No visible flame is not enough. Never leave a fire unattended or go to sleep while it remains hot. If you cannot supply enough water to extinguish a fire, do not start one.

Before you go

Sources & further reading

Read the original guidance for more detail. Product reviews and demonstrations belong to their publishers.

Guide overview