If you are a LARPer or a Medieval/Renaissance reenactor, it is getting to the time of year where you must be conscious of your camp fires.

During the summer months, forests can get very dry.  Moisture continuously evaporates as the sun’s hot rays beat down upon the forests, fields, and brush in the camps that are typically used for these types of events.  The danger is increased if there has been a long period of no rain.

If your campground is extremely dry, then all it can take is one spark to set off a massive fire.  But you can do a few things to help keep the danger of a fire low.  The first is to pay attention to see if there are any fire advisories.  Most park offices will issue these when the forest is dry so that you know that  you need to take extra care.

Secondly, only use indoor fireplaces or well established fire pits that are surrounded by large stones.  Starting a small camp fire in a place that is not protected can easily spark a forest fire.

Lastly, once you are done, make sure to put out your fire.  By leaving your fire smolder all night, or all day while you go into the woods, a rogue ember can fly out and into an area of brush.  Likewise, all it takes is one gust of wind to blow hot ashes into a dry area of the forest.

So take extra care this summer as you build your camp fires so that you don’t accidentally start a brush fire that can present a danger to your favorite campgrounds.