FRIDAY, July 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Campfires can provide the backdrop for lots of outdoor fun. But, if people are careless, those campfires can spark a damaging wildfire, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation says.
So, how can you safely have a campfire?
First, use existing campfire rings whenever you can. Or, if you're in a remote area, consider using a small portable stove instead of a campfire.
If you can't find an existing campfire ring, take care to situate your campfire away from tree branches, steep slopes, rotten tree stumps, logs, dry grass, leaves and other vegetation that could catch fire. Extra wood should also be stored at a safe distance from a campfire site, the New York state conservation experts cautioned.
The agency also provided the following safety tips for campfires:
More information
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has more about campfire safety.