Check local fire restrictions and weather conditions
Choose a safe, open area away from trees, tents, buildings, and dry brush
Clear a wide perimeter of flammable material down to bare soil or sand
Keep water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher nearby
Build the fire only in a designated fire ring or pit if available
Gather tinder, kindling, and larger firewood
Place tinder in the center
Arrange kindling loosely around the tinder in a teepee or log-cabin shape
Add larger wood gradually after the fire catches
Light the tinder with a match or lighter
Feed the fire slowly and do not overload it
Never use gasoline or other accelerants
Stay with the fire at all times
Fully extinguish the fire with water and stir the ashes until cold before leaving