Resources for Kids
Fire Safety for Kids
In the United States, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by people who are not careful or don't know how to be safe outdoors.
Fire can be beneficial for forests in some specific cases, but unplanned fires that burn too hot can make it hard for them to recover.
Can a forest ever recover from wildfire? The answer is yes, but unfortunately, it can take a very long time. An average forest is about 70–100 years old, and the trees in some forests can be 4,000–5,000 years old! Wildfires hurt trees and plants, insects and animals, and people, too. The recovery and healing process for a forest can take many years as a result.
Help Smokey prevent these unwanted fires by learning to be careful and teaching the youth in your lives to do the same.
Remember Smokey’s Five Rules of Wildfire Prevention
Teach children about Campfire Safety and the role that they can play in preventing wildfires. Whether you're a parent, camp counselor, or trusted adult, below are rules to share with the youth in your life.
- Only you can prevent wildfires.
- Always be careful with fire.
- Never play with matches or lighters.
- Always watch your campfire.
- Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving it.
Preparing the Fire
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Step
01
Make sure you’re allowed to build a campfire
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Step
02
Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby
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Step
03
Use an existing fire pit or dig your own at least 10 feet away from anything that could catch on fire
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Step
04
Circle the fire pit with a metal fire ring or rocks
Lighting and Maintaining the Fire
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Step
05
After lighting the fire, throw the match into the fire
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Step
06
Make sure an adult is always watching the fire
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Step
07
Don’t pull sticks out of the fire
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Step
08
Don't throw trash or dangerous items into the fire
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Step
09
Don’t sit on the fire ring or rocks around the fire — they heat up fast and stay hot for a long time
Putting Out the Fire
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Step
10
When it’s time to put the fire out, dump lots of water on it, stir it with a shovel, then dump more water on it
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Step
11
Make sure it is COLD before leaving the campsite. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!
Fire Safety For Kids
You can introduce a whole new generation of children to Smokey Bear and his message of wildfire prevention. Teach the children in your life the steps they can play in preventing wildfires.