Putting Your Campfire Out
This is the most important part of any outdoor fire. Always be certain that fires and coals are out COLD DEAD before leaving your campsite or going to sleep in your tent. To put your campfire out, begin by letting your campfire burn down. Then, drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks---there may be burning embers underneath. Mix and stir the remains with dirt and water; then add more water and dirt, and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough soil or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals---they can smolder and break out into a wildfire! 

Bonfire Safety
The arrival of fall means bonfires will soon be burning large and bright. While bonfires are a lot of fun when planned and controlled, they are NOT RECOMMENDED for most camp sites. They can be downright deadly if there is no organization, teamwork, emergency planning, and if outdoor fire safety rules are not strictly adhered to. Let's not forget the bonfire tragedy that killed 12 students at Texas A&M's annual bonfire in November of 1999. Even those experienced in handling fires can run into trouble, as was the case for two firefighters in upstate New York who lost their lives in a bonfire lighting accident just a few years ago.

When building a bonfire, ALL outdoor fire safety codes must be followed. In many cases, a special permit is required. A bonfire should never be built anywhere close to anything flammable. A wide, open space is a must, and should be clear of any overhead dangers such as wires, tree limbs, etc. A bonfire should never be the sole responsibility of one person. Emergency plans should be laid out ahead of time and persons assigned to specific tasks if things should get out of control. It should be decided ahead of time what will be burned in the bonfire, and who will be in charge of the fire once it is lit. NEVER allow bonfire guests to throw things into the fire. And always make certain that the fire is out COLD DEAD before leaving the bonfire area.

Grill & Lantern Fire Safety
Handle flammable liquids with care.
Store flammable liquids only in metal containers, preferably safety cans.
Store all flammable liquids at a safe distance from your tent, camper, or any source of heat/open flame.
Use flammable liquids only for their intended purpose - NOT to start a fire.
Fill lanterns and stoves a safe distance from campfires, grills and other sources of heat/open flame.
Use a funnel when pouring flammable liquids, and clean up any spills immediately.
Carry only a minimal amount of flammable liquids, and make sure all caps are tight.
Handle tanks of compressed flammable gas with caution. Follow the precautions indicated on the tank.
Use only the recommended fuel for lanterns, stoves, etc. Do NOT use gasoline.
Consider purchasing lantern fuel at or near your destination, to reduce the risk of fire while traveling.
Make sure the barbecue stand is level and steady. Keep a water container nearby when the coal is burning.
When cooking is over, soak the coals to prevent their re-ignition.
Never keep damp or wet charcoal in an unventilated area. Drying may cause spontaneous combustion.
Avoid using fuel lanterns and stoves inside your tent.

Tent Fire Safety
Read the labels before purchasing a tent. Buy only a flame-resistant tent.
Pitch your tent at least 15 feet from your campfire, away from wind direction.
Take along a battery powered smoke detector to keep inside each tent.
Have an escape plan, and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if a fire occurs.
Use only battery-operated lights in or near tents and campers.
Keep a fire extinguisher or container of water available at all times.
Maintain at least a 3 foot clear area, free of leaves, dry grass, pine needles, etc., around tents.
Never use candles, matches, or fuel lanterns in or near a tent; use a flashlight.
Extra care should be excised when using electricity and lighting in or near a tent.
When using heaters, keep them away from walls, pillows, camping chairs, and other contents of the tent.
Do not attempt to use a fire inside your tent for warmth.

Residents assess damage from Ray May Fire; containment expected Friday

Posted by admin in News on August 18th, 2011 |

Updated: 8:30pm Aug. 18

By Jeff Delong, Reno Gazette-Journal

Making good progress against a wildfire raging in Douglas County’s Pine Nut Mountains, fire officials said Thursday they expect to have the blaze fully surrounded by fire lines by 6pm Friday.

The Ray May Fire was reported 70 percent contained Thursday after burning more than 3,600 acres or nearly six square miles.

“We’re slowly corralling the fire,” said Keith Barker, incident commander for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. “We’re getting a lot of good work done.”

The fire was started Tuesday by two 15-year-old boys who had built an illegal campfire at a makeshift fort near the southern Douglas County community of Pine View Estates, authorities said. The pair is charged with felony arson.

One unoccupied home near the fire’s origin burned Tuesday, and as the fire rocketed through tinder-dry pinon-juniper forests Wednesday, it destroyed a guest house and five outbuildings to the northeast in the Ruby Mine area near Pine Nut Creek. Two firefighters suffered injuries.

Musician David John, who fled advancing flames before dawn Wednesday, returned home Thursday to find his guest house, garage and a greenhouse destroyed. His home survived the fire.

“That’s what happens with forest fires, I guess,” John said. “They saved the house, I’m happy to say.”

John was more upset over the skeletonized moonscape that used to be the forest he loved.

“It ain’t too pretty up here anymore,” said John, who has lost a home before to a fire. “It’s all burnt. All those trees are gone. They won’t ever again look like they did in my lifetime.”

Some remote structures, less than 20, remained in danger, Barker said.

“We’ve got people that are out there off the grid,” Barker said. “They are very remote homesteads, very isolated.”

While the fire is expected to be fully contained late Friday, “it’s certainly going to be a few days” before it is fully controlled and all interior fire extinguished, Barker said.

The fire burned in particularly dense stands of pinon-juniper that had not burned in a long time, Barker said.

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