CDS: Be careful around the campfire Published July 8, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Sean Johnson 341st Missile Wing Safety MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The attraction to campfires is universal. There is nothing better at the end of a long day of backcountry hiking than sitting around a source of heat and going over the day's events. Campfires can invoke childhood memories and lead to a restful sleep in a sleeping bag beneath the stars. Eating s'mores and roasting hotdogs over the flames can make anyone crack a smile. This summer's warmer temperatures are sure to draw a crowd to places such as the Highwood Mountains, Belt Mountains, Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. These well-known places are used to guests and cater to the needs of adventurists. In order to maintain the safety and the well-being of the forests around Montana, it's best for the Airmen within Air Force Global Strike Command to demonstrate a little 'excellence in all we do' when planning a campfire. First of all, before camping, find out a little bit about where you will be. For many, enjoying a campfire is an outdoor tradition. However, unnatural or out-of-control fires can be very destructive and cause long-lasting impacts. Find out if campfires are allowed in your location by checking the Montana Forest Service website. According to the Forest Service, the best way to locate fire restrictions is to search "fire restrictions information" on your favorite internet search engine. Select the link to NRCG by the University of Montana. This website(http://firerestrictions.firecenter.umt.edu/FireRestriction_pub/) will allow a detailed examination of current fire restrictions anywhere in the area of Montana and surrounding states. National park websites are a tremendous resource. If fires are allowed, always use an existing fire ring. When gathering wood, gather only dead wood on the ground or consider bringing your own from home. It's good to have in the forefront of the mind the importance of stewardship. Public areas only have so many trees and other natural resources available to the hundreds of thousands of people wanting to use them. Conserve wood by burning your campfire for a short period and allow plenty of time for the fire to burn down to ash. When finished with the fire, douse and stir with water to make sure it's completely out. Never leave a fire unattended and remember to demonstrate great caution around fire. In summary, the summer is only so long here; instead of heading out as fast as possible, use some judgment and plan ahead. When planning to have a campfire, plan to do it responsibly. Any United States citizen can be held accountable for wildfires started maliciously or by negligence. In fact, many people have been indicted for starting fires in forests and then were expected to pay for the cost of the damages and the costs incurred for putting the fire out. Under state and federal law, any person or corporation whose negligence or intentional acts cause a forest fire is liable to the relevant fire fighting agency for the costs and expenses of fighting the fire. Large forest fires burn millions of acres and often take thousands of people and millions of dollars to put out. So remember to plan ahead, be careful with fire and enjoy the great outdoors.