I. You can follow the following key points when using fire outdoors:
1. Know the fire restrictions before you go hiking or camping.
Often, park or trail authorities will set fire use regulations, especially during high-risk fire seasons. Pay attention to posted signs or warnings about wildfires and forest fire prevention along your route. Note that some areas impose stricter fire controls during peak fire seasons. As a hiker, it's your responsibility to understand these rules.
2. Only collect fallen branches and similar materials, preferably from away from the campsite.
Otherwise, over time, the area around your campsite may become unnaturally bare. Never cut live trees or break off branches from living trees, and avoid taking wood from dead trees as well—many wild animals rely on these areas.
3. Don't build overly large or tall fires.
Large amounts of firewood often don’t burn completely, usually leaving behind charcoal and other fire scars that affect natural regeneration.
4. When fires are permitted, use existing fire pits if available.
Only build a new one in emergencies, and if possible, restore the site afterward. If there’s an existing fire pit, clean it up before you leave.
5. Clear away all flammable materials near the fire pit.
Ideally, choose a non-flammable surface such as dirt, rocks, or sand (often found near rivers). Constant heat can make healthy soil infertile, so choose your fire site carefully.
If you’re building a life-saving fire in an emergency, it’s understandable not to consider long-term soil use. But try not to damage the natural landscape too much. In such cases, a fire starter and waterproof matches will come in handy. You can also use fire rings or makeshift alternatives. Use tools to create a 15–20 cm high circular platform from mineralized soil (sand or light, infertile soil). Use this as your fire base. If possible, build it on a flat rock to avoid damaging any soil where plants could grow. After using the fire, you can easily dismantle the platform. Some even carry portable grills or similar items to serve as movable fire bases.
6. Take away all ashes.
Pick out any charcoal left in the fire ring, crush it, and disperse it over a wide area. Dismantle anything you built and leave no wood scraps behind. This may sound tedious, but it’s a responsible way to minimize the long-term impact of outdoor fires.
II. Building and Extinguishing a Fire:
1. To start a fire, build a small hollow cone with dry twigs, fill the center with leaves or dry grass, and light it with a match. (Remember to carry a fire starter or waterproof matches—fire-starting materials are one of the top ten essentials.)
2. As the fire grows, gradually add slightly larger sticks. Move burning branches to the center to ensure complete combustion. Ideally, burn everything to white ash.
3. Only burn waste that can be completely consumed and turned to ash. Don’t attempt to burn plastic, cans, or aluminum foil. If you must burn non-combustible waste, remove and pack out all remains afterward—or take them to a nearby disposal point.
4. Never leave a fire unattended.
5. If you need to dry clothes, tie a rope between trees near the fire and hang your clothes on it.
6. To extinguish a fire, first pour water over it, then stir and step on all embers. Repeat with more water until fully extinguished. Before leaving, ensure the ashes are cool enough to touch. Make absolutely sure all flames and embers are out and cold before departing.
Campfires are generally not allowed in the wilderness, but they can be vital in emergencies. If you choose to have a fire, you are responsible for knowing how to build, maintain, and safely extinguish it—minimizing its impact. Camping can be a joy, but safety must always come first.