HomeMy WebLinkAboutCamping Fire Safety
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
Camping Fire Safety
I am sure by now those of us who love camping have already gone out at least once this year or are getting prepared to
go out. So, if you are a camper please be guided by the following:
Every year, people in Alberta suffer serious injury or death due to getting burned while camping. According to a study of
burn patients admitted to the University of Alberta, Firefighter's Burn Treatment Centre, in Northern Alberta alone, 74
per cent of all camping injuries to children were due to burns. These numbers are even higher in adults.
The two major causes of burns were children walking or falling on open flames (34 per cent) and combustibles being
poured onto open flame (30 per cent). Nearly 50 per cent of these burn patients were under four years old. The severity
of the burns varied widely; however, in most cases the burns were far more severe in adults than in children.
Prevention is still the best way to avoid camping related fires and burn injuries. Follow the simple preventive tips below
to enjoy a fire safe camping season.
Campfires
• Clear the area around your campfire of all debris for at least one meter.
• Never use gasoline to start a campfire. An explosion will result.
• Use your campfire only for cooking or warmth and keep your campfire small.
• Build your campfire downwind, away from your tent/trailer, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit
surrounded by rocks.
• Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards in provincial and national forests and campgrounds, and always
obey park service regulations.
• NEVER leave your campfire unattended.
• NEVER leave children unattended or playing near a campfire.
• Keep a ready supply of water nearby.
• Stop adding wood to the fire well before leaving the site, let the fire burn down, spread the remains evenly in
the fire pit, and slowly add water and stir. Test the campfire for heat before leaving the site.
Propane Lanterns
• When using propane lanterns during the camping season or at any other time, ensure that the connection
between the lantern and the propane cylinder is leak proof to prevent gas from escaping and igniting
unexpectedly, posing a potential fire and injury hazard. This hazard can occur during the lighting or normal use
of the lantern.
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
Tents
Safety standards apply to camping tents, play tents, dining shelters and ice-fishing tents, under Health Canada's
Hazardous Products Act. These standards require a permanently affixed label on each tent, indicating the tent fabric is
flame-resistant, and providing other safety related information. Look for this label when buying a tent. Please remember
that tents made of flame-resistant fabric are not fire-proof. The fabric will burn if left in continuous contact with any
flame source.
• Set up tents at a safe distance and upwind from the campfire.
• Never use matches, candles or open flames in your tent.
• Use battery operated camping equipment, such as flashlights and lanterns inside the tent.
• Never refuel camping appliances in your tent.
• Never cook inside your tent.
• DO NOT smoke inside your tent.
• Never store flammable liquids in your tent.
Camping Trailers
• Check and maintain all gas connections and fume vents.
• Keep all combustibles away from cooking and heating equipment.
• Extinguish smoking materials before going to bed. Place the ashes in a metal container and soak them with
water.
• Develop a fire escape plan and keep a small axe handy for emergency escapes.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially when cooking, and keep one by the trailer exit door at all times.
Please enjoy your camping adventures by being fire smart and remember that “Safety is an Attitude”.
Keith R. Martin
Manager of Fire & Emergency Services
County of Newell
Rev. August 21, 2017