Remember that you can prevent forest fires with proper fire safety knowledge.
A fire pit is a common scene along the beaches of California, as well as at campsites in the great outdoors. Fire pit use in California is regulated by county and zone ordinances, and to have a campfire anywhere in California you have to obtain a permit. This permit is free and gives you the right to have a campfire in designated areas, during times when campfires are allowed. Due to the large amount of wildfires in hot months out west, these regulations are put in place for the safety of all California residents and tourists. Making a fire pit should be done with care.
Instructions
1. Obtain a campfire permit from a local Bureau of Land Management office, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or the Forest Service. Bring your driver's license and review the campfire regulations. Your permit is good for the rest of the year of its purchase. As of August 2010, no fee is required for a campfire permit. The permit will give you the right to have a campfire in northern California forests and the Sierra Nevada region. Campfires in Southern California are allowed in designated fire rings or pits only.
2. Clear away a 3-foot diameter circular spot on the ground, free of any grass and debris. As a rule of thumb, ensure that you're at least 200 feet away from any water source.
3. Place large stones around the perimeter. Try to use stones that easily fit together and form a seal against wind. Stack another layer of stones on top of the first, then repeat until you have at least a 1.5-foot ring structure. This will create a deep enough pocket for the fire to burn safely and keep it from spreading out of control in case winds pick up.
4. Place your kindling into the center, then lay smaller twigs on top of the kindling in a tepee structure.
5. Place two or three logs into the fire pit over the twigs. Light your kindling, then add a bit more to keep the fire going until the logs start to burn. Add logs as necessary throughout the night.
6. Extinguish your fire completely prior to leaving the campsite. Pour water on the coals and cover them with dirt, then remove your stones and dismantle the pit.
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