Weekend Bonfire

Weekends in Cottage Country always call for a bonfire. Whether it is a quick sticky marshmallow snack before bed for sleepy little ones, or a night time gathering of friends that will last into the early hours, there is something ultimately comfy cozy about sitting around a crackling fire.

Here are a few thoughts to mull over before you get your fire blazing:

• Be sure there are no fire bans in your area. Bans can be common in the dry days at the height of summer.  A quick call to the local township will get you the answer.

• If it is an unusually windy day, cancel the plans for an evening fire. Wind can cause even the most  well-tended fires to get out of hand.

• Keep your fire a safe distance away from all outbuildings, surrounding trees and always have a waiting source of water incase of emergency.

• Keep your fire a manageable size. There is no need for massive blistering bonfires. Keep the blaze surrounded by rocks or in a designated fire pit. Make it big enough to cook your hotdogs on, but small enough that you can comfortably handle the heat.

• Supervise your kids! Little hands and bodies are quick moving and burns happen very fast. Talk to your little ones about the fire safety rules before the fire has even been started.

• Stop Drop and Roll is still the best method for putting out clothing that has caught on fire. Flying sparks can be a real threat.

• Choose your designated fire supervisor. This should be someone who is remaining sober and will be responsible for feeding and maintaining the fire throughout the evening.

• Don’t leave your fire to burn off into the night when you are done. Extinguish all coals with a pail of water, stir the water into the mixture thoroughly. Keep adding water until there is no more steam rising when the water hits the coals. Unsupervised smouldering fires can quickly spread.

• Don’t forget the S’mores!