There’s nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors with a roaring fire, gooey s’mores and a night sky full of stars. Campfires, either while camping or in an outdoor fire pit are a real summer time treat. But campfire mishaps can cause injuries. The safety tips below can help you prevent these accidents.

• Before you strike a match, make sure you know the fire regulations of the campground or wilderness area in which you are planning to build a fire.

• If campfires are permitted, they need to be at least 25 feet away from any structure and anything thatcan burn.

• Clear away dry leaves and sticks, overhanging low branches and shrubs.

• Avoid burning on windy, dry days. It is easier for open burning to spread out of control when it is windy and dry.

• Watch children while the fire is burning. Keep children and pets at least 5 feet away from an open fire.

• Attend to the campfire at all times. A campfire left alone for only a few minutes can grow into a damaging fire.

• Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or stoke a campfire.

• Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire.

• Dress children in fitted, tightly woven clothing and avoid flammable fabrics

• Practice Stop, Drop and Roll! If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.

• Never shake aroasting marshmallow! It can turn into a flying, flaming ball. and a heated metal skewer can

  cause burns.