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Camp Fire Cooking during Fire Danger Periods.There will be times during high fire danger periods where it will not be possible to have a camp fire. During total fire bans no naked flames are allowed in the open, which includes tents and camping trailers. This includes liquid fuel and soiled fuel stoves (heat beads) cookers and barbecues. There are other times when it will be more practical to use a gas/fuel stove for your camp fire cooking than in the open like in high fire danger periods. During wet weather it is going to be much easier to cook using a gas stove than trying to light a fire in the rain and then try to cook in the rain. There are campsites where open fires are not permitted. If you camp in an area that allows open fires, there will probably be a scarcity of available wood to light your fire, so unless you have brought your own supply, it will be difficult to obtain wood. When you light your camp fire use an existing fireplace if provided and make sure that all flammable material is cleared within three metres of the fire. If no fireplace exists, some people use some stones to make a circle and keep their fire within these stones and again make sure there is plenty of cleared space around the fire. (If you choose to use the stone option, be very careful of round river stones because they may explode sending stone chips everywhere). Or make a pit fire. Whether it is a high fire danger period or not, it is always a good idea to have some water handy just in case there is a small fire that starts outside the cleared area. ALWAYS use common sense when lighting a fire. Carelessness can lead to the fire getting away causing bushfires. We have all seen the destruction bushfires cause to forests, animals, property as well as threatening human lives. Camp fires have the potential to cause burns to humans. Make sure you use leather gloves (or equivalent) when using utensils on or near an open fire. If you are using a camp oven or even saucepan with a lid on it, use an oven lifter. Having said all of that, an open camp fire is one of the best ways to cook your meal in the bush and somehow it just tastes that little bit better. You can even eat a burnt sausage that has been cooked over a wood fire. Make sure you always carry a fully stocked first aid kit and KNOW how to use it. We have a number of other related subjects:
Have a look at where Our Tours go in Western Australia where we are always aware of fire danger periods
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