Everyone loves a campfire. But before you build yours, please consider the following:
Local Fire Danger Conditions. Fire danger can vary widely, even from central to northern Michigan. Always consult weather data for local wind conditions and review the DNR Fire Danger Map before building your campfire.
Select the Right Site. The majority of our community consists of heavily wooded areas that will contain brush and dead trees. The Michigan DNR recommends that your fire should be at least 10 feet away from any logs, stumps trees or forest debris that might catch fire and 30 feet away from any structure. The space above the fire should be free from any overhanging branches. DNR Campfire Tips
Campfire Courtesy. The old saying the “What goes up must come down” definitely applies to campfire smoke. In areas like ours with hilly terrain, the smoke will tend to settle in valleys and can create a choking ground cloud like a heavy fog. This can force your neighbors to head indoors and close the windows, eliminating their opportunity to enjoy a beautiful evening. Remember that campfire smoke is a strong irritant and can cause very adverse reactions to the elderly, small children and asthmatics.
Build it Right. You can minimize your impact on others by (1) building only the size fire that you really need, (2) selecting only wood that is dry and well seasoned, (3) keeping the fire burning as hot as possible and (4) putting the fire completely out rather than leaving it to smolder. A hot fire will burn much cleaner and produce fewer irritants. Start with dry kindling arranged in a “tepee” pattern until it is burning well and then gradually add larger materials. Arrange logs around the fire so that they can dry out before you add them. Add only what you need at one time. Adding too much material at once will cool the fire and produce a large smoke cloud.
