If you’re like most Saltscapers, you feel a yearn to burn when warmer weather arrives. Beach bonfires, campfires at our favourite woodland escapes, and backyard gatherings around the fire pit are beloved traditions. 

But after 2023’s record-shattering wildfire season, when blazes flared around Atlantic Canada and smoke choked the air for weeks, many of us are leerier. Nobody wants to be the putz who torches the neighbourhood.

Jacques Mazerolle is here to help. Based at Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, he’s a visitor-safety and fire-prevention officer, and part of Park Canada’s national fire incident management team. He’s still marvelling at an “interesting” 2023 and is keener than ever to help folks stay safe.

To start, remember fire isn’t your only hazard. “One of the most common injuries we see at the park is people getting cut while splitting wood,” he says. “They swing the axe and miss their target, hit their hand, leg, or foot. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment: ideally steel-toed boots, work gloves, safety glasses. We’ll often see visitors splitting wood in sandals and if the axe misses that can be real bad. Even a splinter can be a pain and ruin your night.”

He recommends a kindling splitter. Small, portable ones start at $30, and eliminate much of that risk. Another key pre-fire detail is the location. If you’re in a national park or other organized campground, it’s easy: you must stick to the provided fire boxes or pits. 

“If you’re doing a fire on your personal property, clear the area of any wood, leaves, or twigs,” Mazerolle says, adding you need to ensure your space is flat and open. “Look up. You don’t want branches or trees overhanging the area, especially softwood (evergreens). You got to be careful about that location. The further from any structure or trees the better — five metres would be ideal.”

In a yard or field, note the grass. You don’t want it longer than 10 centimetres anywhere near the firepit.

“If it’s a windy day, a grass fire can get out of control pretty quick,” he says, adding that containing the fire with a proper structure is likewise key. “There are lots of really nice metal ones you can buy and they’re not very expensive … A lot of people just dig a hole, line it with bricks, which also works. You do have to be careful about material because some things can explode on you. Some rocks can be very dangerous. Make sure you know the material you’re using is safe.”

Keep a bucket of water, or a fire extinguisher, and a shovel near the fire site and never use gas or another accelerant when lighting a fire. Improper wood storage is also at the root of many campfire catastrophes, when a wind gust and a frenzy of sparks suddenly turns a convenient nearby stack into an uncontained blaze. Keep your wood at least five metres from the fire. “You don’t want a bigger fire than you’re expecting.”

And the weather is paramount. Follow government burn bans and restrictions, but also remember that their green light doesn’t negate local conditions.

“Be especially careful on windy days,” Mazerolle says. “Wind can carry embers. Especially wind direction. If you’re in your back yard and the windy is blowing towards your house, don’t burn … A spark goes in the grass and runs with the wind toward your house in no time.”

Also be a good neighbour. Recent brushes with wildfires have left many skittish. “Let them know your plans so they won’t panic. If the wind is blowing right towards them, maybe don’t burn.”

There will also be times when you’re amped for a fire, and conditions seem fine (it just rained, there’s no wind) yet there’s a burn ban in effect. Don’t assume you know best.

“Availability of responders and equipment also plays into it, not just weather,” Mazerolle explains. “In the parks we can do another step, with a more limited ban, or not permit fires just in back-country sites. Be careful about where you are and know the rules that are in place.”

Finally, when the night winds down, make certain the fire is out. “We always say: soak it, stir it, soak it again,” he says. “It should be cool to touch before you leave. Nothing should be warm. Nothing red and glowing.”

Finally, he urges Saltscapers to visit FireSmartCanada.ca, a website designed by Parks Canada and firefighters, jammed with safety info of all sorts, from camping to home design and yard planning.

“Fires are a lot of fun but a lot of responsibility,” Mazerolle says. “We just want everyone to be safe and have a good time.”