2012 ISSUE 5 JULY 27, 2012

Use of Open Fires

When we think about fire dangers, most of us visu-

alize flames. But embers buried in ash can cause as

many problems as open flames.

Wildfire crews call a hollow that has been burned

out (leaving a pile of ash behind) an ash pit. There is

often no way to determine its depth and no way to

determine if some burning embers remain within the

ash — except to ―cold trail‖ it by searching for hot

spots with their hands.

If they’re not dealt with properly, these fires can

remain hot for a prolonged period of time and may

cause a holdover fire, which is a subsurface fire that

makes its way back to the surface.

―Day-old‖ campfires can be just as dangerous, par-

ticularly for children. Campfires that have not been

properly extinguished can remain hot enough to burn

skin the next day, but since there is no flame, many

parents may not recognize this as a hazard.

In one study, over 80 per cent of campfire burns to

children under the age of seven were due to previously

extinguished fires, not from active fires. Since these

extinguished fires do not appear to be active, children

playing in the vicinity may reach into them, fall into

them or walk over them. This can sometimes result in

severe burns.

It’s a good idea to establish a ―red zone‖ around a

fire pit and teach children that they are not allowed

within that zone without a parent present.

KEEP THEM SAFE!

Campfires In this Issue:

The Campfire Edition

Outdoor Cooking

At Coastal

Page 1

A camping trip never seems to be complete

without a campfire. It provides heat, light, atmos-

phere and a focal point for social interaction. A

campfire seems to bring us back to a simpler time

when relaxation and conversation marked the end

to a perfect day.

To continue to enjoy your favourite camping

spots, it’s important to safeguard them by being

responsible land users. It’s about knowing what

the professionals know: how to build a small,

efficient campfire that provides warmth and am-

bience without putting yourselves, your loved

ones or the land at risk.

Campfires, when mishandled, can start wild-

fires. Building fires that are too big and not extin-

guishing a campfire correctly are the two most

common causes of campfire ―escapes‖.

So what is considered a campfire? In the prov-

ince of British Columbia, a campfire is defined as

―an open fire that burns piled material no larger

than 0.5 metres in height by 0.5 metres in diame-

ter used for recreation or ceremonial purposes.‖

Lighting a campfire, however, comes with the

obligation to tend it responsibly. We have in-

cluded below the part of the Wildfire Regulation

that outlines your role in keeping our forests safe.

Ash Pit versus Day Old Campfire

To Report a Wildfire

1-800-663-5555

Or

*5555 on cell phones

The Wildfire Act is the legal policy for the Province of

British Columbia, while the Wildfire Regulation out-

lines the detail and effect of that policy. Under the

regulations, a campfire is defined and the obligations of

the public are established as follows:

20 (1) The circumstances in which a person described

in section 5 (1) or 6 (1) of the Act may light, fuel or use

a campfire in or within 1 km of forest land or grass

land are as follows:

(a) the person is not prohibited from doing so under

another enactment;

(b) to do so is safe and is likely to continue to be

safe;

(c) the person establishes a fuel break around the

burn area;

(d) while the fire is burning, the person ensures that

(i) the fuel break is maintained, and

(ii) the fire is watched and patrolled by a person to

prevent the escape of fire and the person is

equipped with at least

(A) one fire fighting hand tool, or

(B) 8 litres of water in one or more containers;

(e) before leaving the area, the person ensures that

the fire is extinguished.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a person who

lights, fuels or uses a campfire must ensure that the fire

does not escape.

(3) If a campfire spreads beyond the burn area or other-

wise becomes out of control, the person who lit, fuelled

or used the campfire

(a) immediately must carry out fire control and ex-

tinguish the fire if practicable, and

(b) as soon as practicable must report the fire as

described in section 2 of the Act.

(4) A person to whom subsection (3) applies may dis-

continue carrying out fire control if relieved from doing

so by an official.

Campfire³ — how to build, maintain and put

out a campfire like a pro!

1. Start a campfire—The only material deemed accept-

able to burn is wood. The trick is to use various sizes of

wood that, if done correctly, can be lit with one match.

1) Tinder (any woody debris that catches fire eas-

ily): This includes dry grass, pine needles, leaves,

twigs or wood shavings (fine fuels). Dry tinder can

be hard to find, so try looking under logs where the

rain hasn’t reached it.

2) Kindling (slightly bigger in size): This includes

small sticks that don’t light with a match alone, but

will light when exposed to lit tinder. These should

be as dry as possible, too.

3) Fuel (larger wood, often referred to as firewood):

It is split, dried and will sustain the campfire once it

is burning. A little dampness in larger fuels can be

dried out by the fire.

The best method to build a fire is to start with tinder and

then add kindling in a tepee structure around the burning

tinder. Gradually add larger pieces of kindling and then

pieces of firewood.

2. Maintain a campfire—Three important things to

remember to safely care for a campfire:

1) A Safe Place: Build your campfire in a fire pit or

within a fire ring if one is available. If there is no

designated fire pit, build one away from overhang-

ing trees, shrubbery or structures. Keep your fire

away from or upwind from your tent.

2) A Safe Size: Small fires are safer and use fewer

resources. They use less of your wood supply, do

not burn as hot, create fewer sparks and are easier

to extinguish.

3) A Safe Watch: Never leave your fire unattended.

A watched fire is always the safest. Fire spreads

quickly!

3. Extinguish your campfire—Put it out! Completely

out!

1) Always extinguish your fire with water. You

should have a minimum of eight litres on hand just

for putting out your campfire.

2) Stir the ashes, turn over the rocks and logs with a

shovel and then add more water. Repeat.

3) Make sure that your fire is out by using your

hand to feel the ashes. Experts suggest using the

back of your hand.

Campfire³

Since the last Wildfire News the rise in the

number of fires has largely been in the number of

lightning-caused fires. Twenty-one lightning fires

were the result of two systems which made their

way through the Coastal Fire Centre in the last two

weeks. We were fortunate that these fires either

came with precipitation or immediately after rain

had fallen in the area. These lightning fires were

largely in the Chilliwack and Pemberton areas.

With the wet weather we have not had the

human-caused fires generally associated with this

time of year. Now as people get out into

recreation sites we are hoping that they will take

with them more knowledge on how to put out their

campfires and an understanding of why it is so

important to do so.

We have had a second slow year in the number

of fire starts and hope this trend continues the rest

of the summer. Enjoy your campfires but please

remember to be responsible!

SYNOPSIS (today and tomorrow): A fairly extensive

layer of low level moisture that set up along the coast

last night helps to cool temperatures in marine

influenced areas today while a weak upper disturbance

approaching from the southwest threatens to produce

isolated showers as it advances inland over the fire

centre this afternoon. A somewhat drier flow is expected

on Saturday resulting in slightly milder temperatures and

generally sunnier skies across the southern half of the

region while cloudier skies are expected to the north.

Isolated showers may develop across the region

Saturday afternoon as the airmass destabilizes with

daytime heating. OUTLOOK (days 3-5): Little change is expected in the

pattern Sunday or Monday as a series of weak upper

disturbances rotating around the upper low to the

northwest continue to head inland to maintain mainly

cloudy skies and slightly cooler than seasonal

temperatures in Haida Gwaii and the Mid Coast with a

mix of sun and cloud and near seasonal temperatures to

the south (likely above seasonal temperatures for inland

areas). 6 TO 10 DAY: Confidence in the longer range models

took a bit of a nosedive today, with some models

downplaying the previously advertized warming and

drying trend, instead suggesting two upper troughs

approach from the northwest during the six to

ten day period (the first arriving Thursday,

followed by another Sunday night).

To Date in

Coastal

Fires to Date

Person Caused 33

Lighting Caused 21

Total Number of Fires

54

Hectares burnt 16

Number of Incidents Responded to

189

Fire Danger Rating

As of July 27, 2012

Low/Moderate

Page 2

Weather Today At Coastal

Page 3

The Number 1 rule with any

cooking device is to make sure

it’s properly maintained. With a

camp stove, you must check all

gaskets, seals and hoses for any

cracks, leaks or faulty

connections. You can ―paint‖ each connection with

soapy water and watch for tell-tale bubbles. If you

detect a leak, fix or replace the part. DO NOT USE AN

OPEN FLAME TO TEST FOR LEAKS.

Once you have determined that your stove is safe to

use, you can test your fuel cylinders — particularly if

they have been stored for any period of time. Add 1

tbsp. of dish soap to 1 cup of water and pour the

mixture on the canister to determine if it has any leaks.

Canisters should always be stored in a cool, dry place.

A briquette is a block of

compressed coal dust,

charcoal dust, sawdust, wood

chips or biomass, and is used

as a fuel in stoves and boilers.

While briquettes are a great

alternative and can be used in

a fire pit there are a number things you must consider

with their use.

Tipping—Smaller charcoal grills, such as the portable ones designed to be used on picnics, can sometimes tip over. This may cause the burning charcoal to spill out where it creates the fire and personal injury risks. Always setup the grill according to its manufacturer's instructions; place it on a sturdy, non-flammable surface such as concrete; and clear away any nearby flammable objects, such as the newspaper or kindling you might have used to start your grill.

Disposing of Used Charcoal

Since ashes can appear to be entirely cooled, yet

still contain hot coals, one must take extra care to

assure their ashes are safe to throw away. With a

little bit of information, you can dispose of ashes

in a safe and effective manner. Never dispose of

charcoal briquettes by leaving them next to a

tree. If coals are not entirely cool may continue to

smolder and ignite the wood.

Allow burned briquettes at least 48 hours to cool

before attempting to dispose. If time is not

available, pour water over the briquettes to ensure

the briquettes have cooled completely.

Gather all cooled ashes from the bottom of the grill using a small hand held shovel or small

broom and dust pan. A dust mask may be

necessary when dealing with a large amount of

ashes.

Wrap the cooled ashes in aluminum foil or a non-

combustible container.

Dispose of cooled ashes in container by placing in

a trash receptacle.

Briquettes

Outdoor Cooking

*Never pour more

charcoal lighter on

briquettes after you

light the fire,

it can cause a

dangerous flare up.

With liquid fuel camp stoves,

you must be very careful filling,

storing and transporting any fuels

that are necessary for its use. Read

the stove instructions carefully

and never use fuel that is not

recommended for the unit.

Liquid fuels must be stored and

transported in a strong, metal container that does not

leak. Use a funnel to prevent spillage. Do not overfill;

fill only to the line indicated. There needs to be some

air in the fuel tank for the stove to function properly.

No matter what kind of stove you use, there are some

basic precautions you need to keep in mind:

1) Never let children light a camp stove or get near one

if they are unattended.

2) Place the camp stove in an elevated position. Make

sure it’s stable so it cannot be knocked over eas-

ily.

3) Never leave a stove unattended! A gust of wind may

blow over your stove or blow something onto it.

4) Never lean directly over the stove to light it. Using

the stove’s igniter is best. If it’s broken, get it

repaired.

5) Keep your stove clean and grease-free.

6) Never light a camp stove indoors.

Never cook in a

confined space. Fire

or carbon monoxide

poisoning could

result.

BC Ferries:

Coleman's Fuel,

Naphtha, White

Gas: Passenger

vehicles are permitted

5 litre metal

containers.

Foot passengers are

prohibited from

carrying this product

as part of their

baggage.

All Stoves

Liquid Fuel Stoves

Propane Stoves

Page 4

The propane campfire is a rela-

tively new device. It should be cared

for like any other camping appli-

ance. Before using it, make sure that

all the connections have been tested

with soapy water and that all gaskets

and hoses are in good repair.

These products have proliferated

recently and are particularly popular in areas with

campfire bans in place. Although a propane campfire is

a good alternative to a wood fire, it’s like all flamma-

ble devices — it’s only as good as the person who

operates it.

Before you purchase one of these devices, make

sure it’s been approved by the Canadian Standards

Association (CSA). Read the directions carefully when

putting it together and always make sure it has com-

pletely cooled down before you pack it up and put it in

your vehicle or recreational vehicle. Do not make

modifications to the unit and use it only as directed.

Always detach the fuel cylinder from the device before

transporting it.

When using propane, DO NOT store the propane

cylinders indoors or at temperatures above 49°C (120°

F). Make sure you keep the cylinders out of the sun

while camping.

A propane campfire is still a campfire, so remember

the basics:

1) Place the device in a campfire ring if one is avail-

able.

2) Do not turn the device to a setting where the

flames are higher than 15 cm.

3) Do not pile or burn paper on a propane campfire.

4) Do not leave the campfire unattended, particularly

when small children are present.

5) Make sure that the device is placed on mineral

soil and has proper clearance from anything that is

flammable.

If a campfire ban is put in place, what do you do?

After scanning numerous online forums, we found that

while some people can not imagine camping without a

campfire, many diehard campers can’t remember the

last time they actually lit a fire. We would like to offer

some suggestions for a fun, campfire-free camping

experience.

First of all, not having a campfire may mean less

heat at your site, so pack more warm clothing for the

evenings. Second, although it may not be as fun, you

can always sit around a lantern at night. When fire

restrictions are in place, a LED lantern is preferable to

further reduce the fire danger. Third, a campfire helps

keep mosquitoes and other pests away, so you may

want to pack bug spray or other bug-shielding devices.

Camping is about more than having a campfire. It’s

about sharing quality time and making memories. Here

are a few suggestions to help keep your time outdoors

electronics-free and fun:

1) Purchase an inexpensive star chart and stargaze.

2) Make popcorn or roast marshmallows on your camp

stove.

3) Play card games (UNO anyone?) or boardgames

(What’s your favourite?).

4) Listen to music, talk or bring a book for the kids to

read aloud.

5) Do you play a musical instrument? It’s still a good

option, even without a campfire.

6) Take a moonlit hike with flashlights.

7) Give the kids some glowsticks to play with around

the campsite.

Get creative! It’s all about spending time together.

Camping as a leisure activity did not

gain popularity until the mass production

of the automobile in 1908. Soon

afterwards, people started packing up

their food, canvas and gear, took to the

road and began to camp along the

roadside. Autocamping was born and

along with it came a variety of devices to

make life on the road a little more

comfortable.

One thing that has not changed

throughout camping’s history is the desire to build a

fire — despite the number of products available that

provide the requisite heat, light and bug deterrence.

A wood campfire is no longer a

necessity for camping, but it’s traditional

and the time spent around a campfire is so

loved that many find it hard to give up.

We at the Coastal Fire Centre would like

to provide some campfire alternatives that

may prove satisfactory in the short term,

in the event of a campfire ban.

Remember that the goal of a camping

trip is to enjoy the outdoors and spend

time with loved ones. We have provided

some campfire alternatives below, but if anyone has

other suggestions, we would be happy to hear from you

and pass them on.

To Report a Wildfire

1-800-663-5555

Or

*5555 on cell phones

Kids Books to Take

Camping:

Caillou Goes Camping

by Harvey

Picking Worms

By Millichamp

Campfire Morgan

By Staunton

Under Emily’s Sky

By Alma

How to Camp Books

for Kids:

Camp Out

By Brunelle

The Kids Campfire

Book

By Love, Drake, &

Collins

Campfire Alternatives Propane Campfire

The Social Side of a Campfire

Tacos in a Bag FROM CAMPINGWITHGUS.COM, ON APRIL 29TH, 2012

Fun Camping Recipes for Kids

Tacos in a Bag – another fun and easy camping recipes for kids that they can make themselves,

with just a little adult supervision.

And Tacos in a Bag is so fun and easy the kids will want to do it on every camping trip.

A quick and easy camp meal with almost no clean-up, but lots of novelty. Your kids will be talking

about this one long after the camping trip is over.

The concept is so simple. Each camper spoons the ingredients they want into their individual bags of chips. Then they just scrunch them a

little to mix things up – and they’re done! Eat with a plastic fork or spoon and toss everything in the trash for clean-up.

Note: A little prep at home can make this a no-cook, fast and easy camp meal. Just cook the hamburger/taco seasoning mix at home, and

bring to camp in a gallon-size Ziploc. (can be served cold at camp, or warmed in a skillet) The vegetable slicing and dicing can be done at

home, and brought to camp in Ziplocs too. Then it’s just a matter of putting things out for the kids to use.

Here is all you need:

small bags Dorito chips, (2.5 – 3.5oz.), one per camper*

1/2 cup cooked and Taco-seasoned hamburger per camper

shredded/chopped lettuce

shredded cheddar or Mexican-mix cheese

diced onions

diced tomatoes

mild or medium salsa or taco sauce plastic forks or spoons

The basic steps for the Adults:

The taco seasoned hamburger can be used cold, but it tastes better warmed – so just use a skillet to heat it up

a little.

Place all ingredients on the camp table in bulk containers or on plates. Spoons can be used for all ingredients,

but for portion control – a 1/2 cup measuring cup works best for the hamburger mix.

The chip bags should be opened by pulling apart the top seam, (leaves extra folding room), so if your camp-

ing kids are young you might want to pre-open the bags for them

Instruct the kids to put 1/2 cup hamburger mix, and whatever other ingredients they want, into their bag of

chips.

The basic steps for the Kids:

Add the ingredients they want

Fold the top of the bag closed and scrunch and shake the bag to mix everything up. Don’t shake to hard or the

ingredients will be everywhere! Give kids an extra napkin to hold the bag – It’s hot!

That’s it! Open the bag, grab a fork or spoon, and dig in.

Why not make S’more cookies before you go camping!

Check out Stephanie Eddy’s S’more Cookie Recipe in the Globe and Mail! Just click on the cookies!

Monkey Bread Campfire Treat – Camping Recipes for Kids

BY CAMPINGWITHGUS.COM, ON JANUARY 17TH, 2012

Fun Camping Recipes for Kids

Campfire Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread – another fun and easy camping recipes for kids that they can help make themselves, with just a

little adult supervision. And this one is so easy the kids will want to do it on every camping trip.

Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread

This campfire treat is cooked with a Dutch oven, over medium campfire coals or on a camp stove on Med-Low.

Here is all you need:

A Dutch oven – You can line it with foil for easy clean-up, but it is not required.

2 refrigerated biscuit doughs per camper. (like Pillsbury, from the dairy section)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

3 tbsp ground cinnamon 1 stick of butter, or 8 tbsp. margarine 1 or more paper or plastic bags (for the cinnamon/sugar mix)

The basic steps for the Adults:

While the kids are doing their part, prep an area of the campfire so the coals are ready for Dutch oven cooking, or set your camp stove to

Med-Low If you are going to line the Dutch oven with foil, do it now and then set it on the coals to begin pre-heating Melt the butter in a small sauce pan and set aside Mix the cinnamon and sugar in one of the bags, and shake to mix well – you will be letting the kids coat their monkey dough, so if you

have several kids – divide the cinnamon/sugar mix into a couple bags

The basic steps for the Kids:

Give each kid at least two biscuit doughs, and have them cut them into quarters – (you may need to demonstrate once) Let the kids toss their Monkey bread, (the biscuit quarters), into the bag of cinnamon/sugar mix – close bag and toss vigorously to coat the

dough with the mix As each young camper’s dough gets coated – let them toss, or arrange, their Monkey Bread in the Dutch oven That’s it for the kids – for now

Cooking instructions:

When all the Monkey bread chunks are in, pour the melted butter over them and put the Dutch oven lid on. This camping recipes for kids will take about 35 minutes in a 350` Dutch oven about 10-12 good briquette-size coals under the Dutch oven, and about 12-14 briquette-size coals on the lid After about 15 minutes – rotate the Dutch oven 90` and replenish the coals both under and on top Check the Monkey bread after about 25 minutes to see if it is done. It may take another 5 or 10 minutes, but you will be able to tell just by

looking. You will see the dough pieces puffed and brown.