Fire Management

This is designed to set out guidelines for selecting an area to light a fire, when to light a fire and fire light etiquette. Please stay within these guidelines when lighting fires.

• It is important to check whether you have permission to light a fire within the area which you have selected to camp. It may be against local or national law to light a fire at certain times of the year or in certain places. It is the individuals' responsibility when they are lighting a fire to ensure they are aware of this.

• Ensure where you are lighting a fire isn’t going to cause damage to the local environment either through marking the earth or burning of certain materials.

• Be conscious of the possible spread of fire in the area you select. Remember gorse/peat areas can cause a widespread fire.

• Have an emergency method of extinguish with you when lighting and keeping your fire. This can simply be a pot of water.

• Cut a sod out or place a base to limit the damage to the ground.

• The person who has lit the fire is the fire keeper. Please ask before using their fire.

• If someone is attempting to light a fire, allow them space and time. If you wish to offer your assistance or advice please do so tactfully.

• If you have lit the fire for yourself, please be conscious of where you do so. i.e. do not light it in the common area just for yourself

• Only light a fire when it is needed.

• Avoid lighting multiple fires in the one camp area. i.e having 3 or 4 fires going within the one camp area

• A small fire for what you need to the ideal. Do not build a large fire unnecessarily.

• Be aware of what you are burning. Do not throw any unnatural material onto the fire

• Do not throw wood onto the fire, place it.

• Dry dead wood should be what you are aiming for when burning wood. If necessary, take wood with you to your camp area. Avoid cutting green living wood for your fire. This minimises the impact on the area.

• A well maintained fire will not leave large bits of charred or unburnt wood. This makes clean-up a lot easier in the morning.

• If you are placing rocks to make a boundary for the fire, be aware what rock type it is. A hot fire can cause some rocks to split and spit.

• Always try and use a Bushcraft method of lighting a fire unless the situation does not allow it or a quick fire is needed.

• When turning in for the night, ensure the fire is completely out.

• When leaving a camp area, ensure there is an absolute minimum sign of a fire. Ensure there are no embers left burning when you leaving. Remove all rocks and other fire material (charcoal) from the fire area and do your best to completely remove its trace.