Easy there pyro!!

Before you start playing with fire, did you check for fire bans? The MNR can impose fire bans anywhere at any time if they feel there’s a risk of forest fire.

They can impose strict fines ($1000) if the ban’s not adhered to. Info on fire bans in Ontario can be found here:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/affmb/fire/MapGeneration/RFZmapeng.html

Remember, Northtek won’t be held in a provincial park with prepared and carefully planned fire pits. If you think your camp needs a campfire, there are a
few things you should keep in mind to keep you, your neighbours, and the forest safe.

How to set up a proper fire pit:

First, look for a fire pit that’s already used. This will save you time setting one up and will reduce environmental impact.

When digging a pit, make sure it’s void of roots. They may look harmless, but fire can travel underground via the roots if they’re dry enough. Make sure you’re in an open area. A couple sparks from your fire could set off a nearby tree or bush.

Line the fire pit with rocks. This will define the space as a fire pit, and prevent people from hotsteppin’ all over the embers. It’ll also keep hot coals inside the pit, and not wandering over into someone’s sleeping bag

What are you burning?

Do not burn all pine needles. Use these only for a fire starter because they cause sparks and will leave large amounts of debris and ash after they burn.

Also avoid using bark. Bark has a tendency to pop and send sparks out of the fire pit.

Don’t leave it unattended.

If you can’t agree to take shifts watching the fire, put it out. Starting another fire is a lot easier than replacing your burnt-ass tent. Same goes for tiki
torches. They’re easy to put out and re-light. If some idiot knocks one over without noticing, flammable oil could leak all over the place, bringing the
wrath of Hades.

Have a bucket of water handy.

Things can get out of control pretty quickly. You should have a 5 gallon bucket ready just in case. It's also a good idea to have a shovel to smother the fire with dirt if necessary.

When putting out a fire, pour water lightly around the perimeter first and work inwards. Throwing a whole bucketful at once can send embers flying everywhere and burn your face with steam. Also remember to turn over any rocks lining the pit. Rogue coals can hide out there and reignite.

Advice from the experienced...

Don’t be retarded and put gasoline or lighter fluid in your fire. It’s not that cool.

Bring a can or film canister for cigarette butts so you’re not flicking them into the woods or in the fire pit to be blown around later.

When fueling your generator absolutely turn it off and allow it to cool down for 10 minutes or so before you top her up.

The risks of filling a running generator are fucking serious and/or fatal. 2005 saw a trip to the hospital for 3rd degree burns (permanent scarring) when one soundstage risked safety and peace of mind trying this.

Lucky for us, and fucking shitty for him, the secondary crisis of an uncontrollable forest fire was averted because the affected person pulled the yet unexploded gas can from the path of the blaze (leading to the fuel source). An example of completely selfless heroism that could have easily been avoided.