How to Put out a Fire in a Fire Pit

While it's certainly not the most exciting thing you will do while camping, putting out the campfire is one of the most important. You will want to be sure the fire is fully extinguished and cool. Do not destroy the beautiful wilderness you came to enjoy by leaving a hot ember. Put out the campfire properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Several gallons or buckets of water
Several gallons or buckets of water

Step 1

Wait for the fire to burn down. While this is not always possible, it is best to allow the fire to burn down until it is very low and the wood has largely burned off into ash.

Step 2

Spread out the remaining wood evenly, using a shovel or stick.

Step 3

Pour water from your bucket up and down the length of the fire, then side to side. Hold the water several feet over the fire to avoid getting burned by steam rising out of the fire pit. Thoroughly cover all the wood and embers until the fire stops smoking and sizzling.

Step 4

Use a shovel or stick to move the wood around. Be sure that all sides of the wood are covered with water. Scrape any embers off the remaining wood and soak them. Stir the mixture of water and wood.

Step 5

Lift up the rocks of your fire pit and look for embers between and under them. Thoroughly soak those with water, too.

Step 6

Before leaving, check the entire fire pit to make sure there is no heat being generated. The fire pit and wood that remains should be cool and damp.

Tips & Warnings

Do not wait until the last minute; put out the fire before packing up the camp to allow time for the fire pit to cool. Use dirt to extinguish the fire when you do not have an ample supply of water. Do not bury the fire, but shovel and mix like you would with water.

Do not wait until the last minute; put out the fire before packing up the camp to allow time for the fire pit to cool.

Use dirt to extinguish the fire when you do not have an ample supply of water. Do not bury the fire, but shovel and mix like you would with water.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...