Check that fires are allowed, use the designated ring, light a small airy arrangement of tinder and kindling, then fully extinguish it with water and stirring. Putting the fire out is part of making it.
01 / Prepare
Check current restrictions and wind. Keep water and a shovel nearby; position tents and other flammable items at least 15 feet away and upwind. Buy local firewood and use the established ring.
02 / Build small
Use dry tinder and kindling, leaving space for air. Light with a match or lighter, then add small pieces gradually. Skip liquid accelerants. Stay with the fire and keep children and pets away.
03 / Put it out cold
Drown the embers, stir, and repeat until everything is cold. Never leave a warm fire unattended or cover it with dirt and assume it is out.
A no-fire evening still counts
If conditions rule out a fire, make the evening about the view, a packed meal or a skywatching session. Check local rules for any stove you plan to use, too.
Sources & further reading
Source check: October 7, 2026. This is an editorial guide, not a claim of hands-on product testing.