How to Put Out a Fire Pit

Putting out the campfire in your campsite fire pit is a vital step of camping. Even a couple of hot embers could spark a catastrophic forest fire. To enjoy and respect the outdoors, you'll want to put out the fire completely.

Instructions

1

Ideally, you want the large firewood to burn down so the fire is primarily ash and small pieces by the time you need to put it out.

2

Put out the fire well before you leave the campsite to give yourself time to ensure it's cool before leaving. A good time to put it out is before you begin packing your gear. When you're done, you can verify the fire pit is cool.

3

Spread the remaining sticks and embers of the fire evenly around.

4

Pour a jug or gallon of water over the embers from side to side, and up and down the fire pit. Pour water horizontally and vertically in a zigzag pattern. You should stand and hold the water several feet over the fire so you don't risk burning your hand with steam or embers. Pour the water until the fire pit stops sizzling and smoking.

5

Scrape off any embers from any larger sticks or logs and pour water on the stick and embers. Cover all embers of the fire and make sure everything is soaked through.

6

Use a shovel to mix the ashes and wood and add extra water to soak everything through. Also check the rocks of the fire pit to make sure there aren't any embers stuck between or underneath them. Ensure everything is saturated, and add extra water as needed.

7

Before leaving, make sure the fire pit is fully saturated and cool to the touch. Touch all around the fire pit to verify every section is cool.