Camp Fire Safety

Co. L, 15^th NYVC

The CAMP FIRE is a very important part of any Civil War unit.  It provided a central conversation point where members of the unit would gather to cook, eat, smoke and enjoy the general camaraderie of each other.  The campfire also provided the source of light and warmth.  We today in the course of our reenacting the period during the American Civil War find the same importance in the campfire.  In doing so certain precautions should be taken.

• Keep a water can with in reach for extinguishment should it be needed.

• Choose a spot for your fire such that it is a good distance away from tents, hay, straw, bedding material or any other material in which a fire from the pit may ignite, if dangerously close. 

• Using a Shovel dig a hole @ 3 inches deep and no bigger than 2 feet by 2 feet.  Carefully remove the sod as not to break it up.   Place the sod in a clear area so to be used again.

• When the fire pit is dug place large logs or rocks around the perimeter of the pit.This is so you can place a grill safely over the open fire and at the same time it serves as a firebreak.

• Fuel for the fire should be dry logs.  DO NOT USE STRAW ON A FIRE !  The embers of straw will lift from the fire and travel posing danger in camp and to others.

• During the day and especially when visitors / public are in camp the unattended campfires should be extinguished.

• When breaking down camp extinguish all campfires thoroughly, then cover the fire pit with dirt and the original sod, which has been placed a side.

Please keep in mind that we are guest at all events and the reputation of the unit is one that is paramount.  We as a reenactment/living history unit are in a sense a preservation organization and therefore we should leave the camp area as we found it. 

Rev.02.18.04