Think Before You Burn

Did you know an escaped campfire started one of the largest wildfires in SC history? The 2016 Pinnacle Mountain Fire ultimately consumed more than 10,000 acres of forestland in Greenville and Pickens County.

Know the rules
Although you're not required to get a permit to have a campfire in most public places in South Carolina, you do still have to be aware of any other burning restrictions that may apply in your area. It's always a good idea to check with local authorities before starting any kind of fire, campfire included.
Also be aware that campfires are subject to restriction during burning bans, which can be issued by either the governor or the South Carolina State Forester. It is also advised that campfires should not be built when a Red Flag Fire Alert has been announced.

Picking your spot

  • Always use the existing fire ring or pit where you’re camping; they are designed to keep a responsible-sized fire contained in most situations.
  • If there isn’t a ring or pit, choose a site for your campfire at least 15 feet from tents, brush, trees and other flammable objects, including low branches.
  • Pick a level, open location, but that also isn’t in a windy spot; gusts can carry embers for very long distances.

Setting up your campfire

  • Clear a firebreak at least 10 feet in diameter around where you plant to set up the campfire. Brush and scratch away any grass, needles, twigs, leaves, etc. down to the mineral soil.
  • Dig a pit in the dirt, preferably at least a foot deep.
  • Circle the pit with rocks if they are available.

Starting and maintaining your campfire

  • Ideally, you’ll want to bring or gather three different sizes of tinder or wood, usually a combination of a) small sticks/dry leaves, b)kindling and c)larger logs.
  • Make sure never to cut live trees or shrubs; not only will they not burn, but you’ll be damaging the forest; often dead standing trees are home to many species of wildlife.
    Also, DON'T MOVE FIREWOOD! That is, do not bring firewood with you from more than 50 miles away. Firewood can transport insects and other invasive species that can spread devastating diseases to our forests. Always try to use locally sourced firewood.
  • Place the smaller sticks and leaves on the bottom and add kindling on top, being sure to leave room for air to circulate through the pile.
  • After lighting the fire, continue to add larger pieces until the fire is burning on its own.
  • Don’t build the fire too large! A small, well managed fire will suffice for warmth and cooking, and it won’t consumer as much fuel as fast.
  • A responsible adult should always be in attendance of the fire; never leave children around a fire unattended.

Completely extinguish your fire

  • Use the “drown, stir and feel” method to extinguish your fire: drown the fire with water, then stir around the fire area with your shovel to wet any remaining embers and ash. Be sure to turn wood and coals over and wet all sides. Move some dirt onto the fire site and mix thoroughly to fully smother it.
  • Feel the area with the back of your hand to ensure nothing is still smoldering.

But what if there’s no water available?
If you don’t have access to water, mix dirt and sand with embers. Continue adding dirt and stirring the embers until everything is cool to the touch.
Do not bury the fire because it will continue to smolder and can catch roots on fire.

Check out this video, courtesy of Smokey Bear, on how to put out your campfire. Just click and watch!