Springfield, IL – As cooler weather draws more Illinois residents to gather around campfires this fall, state fire officials are reminding the public to keep safety a priority.
According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, campfires remain a leading cause of accidental burns and wildfires when left unattended or improperly extinguished. The agency shared safety tips this week, emphasizing that coals can remain dangerously hot for up to 12 hours after a fire appears to be out.
The American Burn Association reports that 70% of campfire burns are caused by embers rather than flames. Officials recommend keeping fires small, building them in designated pits at least 15 feet from tents or flammable objects, and always having water nearby. Children should be kept at least three feet from the fire’s edge, and families are encouraged to talk about campfire safety before lighting one.
Authorities warn against using accelerants such as gasoline or kerosene, throwing trash into fires, or leaving a fire unattended. Instead, fires should be extinguished completely by dousing with water, stirring, and repeating until the ashes are cool to the touch.
If a burn occurs, officials advise cooling the injury with cool—not cold—water, removing jewelry and clothing from the area, and covering it with a clean dry sheet or bandage until medical attention is available.
With humans responsible for nine out of ten wildfires nationwide, fire officials stress that following these precautions can prevent accidents and help keep Illinois communities safe this fall season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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