Hay River (May 29/06) - The message written on the side of the bucket says it all -- "Kill your campfire."

Ron D. Antoine, the Hay River district fire duty officer with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), uses the vinyl bucket when he gives campfire safety demonstrations.

Ron D. Antoine, a fire duty officer with the GNWT, demonstrates the proper way to put out a campfire. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Two to five forest fires are caused by campfires each year in the Hay River area, which stretches from the Alberta/NWT border to north of Fort Providence.

"It will burn straight down and then it will start spreading out," Antoine says, explaining the fire will burn into the duff layer on the forest floor.

Most people incorrectly think that if there's no smoke, there is no fire, he says. "But what's underneath? What's below the surface?"

A safe campfire begins with proper preparation.

Antoine advises that a hole for the fire should be dug up to a foot deep to remove the top layer of duff.

"If there's sand around, put sand in there," he says.

Rocks should be placed around the perimeter of the campfire.

It should also be built in an open area near a water source, Antoine adds. "Just in case it did get out of hand."

When it comes time to extinguish a campfire, Antoine advises beginning by pouring water on it.

A camper should then check for heat by holding a hand over the fire. If the campfire feels warm, more water should be poured on it.

The ashes should then be stirred.

"If you can grab the ashes with your hand and feel the ashes are cold, then you're safe."

Most people do try to put their fires out, he says, but "Some of them are not doing it properly."