Keep the Flames Friendly: Campfire Safety Tips for Summer Nights

There’s nothing quite like a crackling campfire on a summer night—until it gets out of hand.
One minute you’re toasting marshmallows and making memories, the next you’re frantically reaching for a hose, watching flames spread faster than you thought possible. Fire may be a summertime staple, but when it’s not handled properly, it can turn from cozy to catastrophic in seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a bonfire for friends or enjoying a quiet evening by your backyard firepit, it’s critical to keep safety top of mind. At Hertvik Insurance Group, we’ve seen how a simple spark can cause thousands of dollars in damage—and we want to help you enjoy summer without the risk.

Here are three essential campfire safety tips every homeowner should follow:

Location Matters: Keep Your Firepit Safe and Legal

Before you strike that first match, check your surroundings. The placement of your campfire or firepit is one of the most important factors in preventing accidents.

Tips:

Keep at least 10–15 feet of clearance from your home, shed, trees, or any flammable structures.
Never build a fire directly on the ground unless it’s in a designated fire-safe zone (like at a campsite with a fire ring).
Use a firepit with a screen cover to prevent embers from escaping and landing where they shouldn’t.
Check with your local municipality for burn bans, permits, or regulations in your area. Fines and liability can come quickly if you’re not compliant.

Example: One homeowner thought their backyard bonfire was safely contained—until an ember drifted into a nearby pile of dry leaves. Within minutes, a fence and part of their neighbor’s shed were in flames. A simple change in firepit placement could have saved them thousands in repairs and a strained neighborly relationship.

Stay in Control: Supervise and Extinguish Properly

A fire should never be left to its own devices. Even a small campfire can spread or reignite if left unsupervised or improperly extinguished.

Tips:

Never leave a fire unattended. Assign a responsible adult to monitor it at all times.
Keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby—just in case.
Fully extinguish your fire before going inside for the night. Pour water on all embers until hissing stops, stir the ashes, then pour more water. Repeat until everything is cool to the touch.

Example: A family left their firepit smoldering overnight, thinking it had gone out on its own. A gust of wind in the early morning reignited the embers, scorching their patio furniture and damaging their home’s siding. The fire department was called—and so was their insurance agent.

Watch What You Burn: Fuel Fires Responsibly

Not all materials belong in a fire pit. Burning the wrong things can be dangerous to your health, your property, and your neighbors.

Tips:

Stick to dry, seasoned wood. Avoid burning treated or painted wood, which can release toxic fumes.
Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or rekindle a fire. A sudden flare-up can cause serious burns.
Don’t toss in garbage, plastic, or yard waste. These materials burn unpredictably and may create large flames or harmful smoke.

Example: At a summer party, someone tossed a plastic plate into the flames for fun. The resulting black smoke triggered a nearby home’s smoke alarm—and prompted an angry neighbor to call the fire department. What was meant to be a light-hearted moment turned into a neighborhood dispute and a visit from local authorities.

Don’t Let Fire Ruin Your Summer Fun

Campfires are a classic part of summer, but they come with real responsibility. A few simple precautions can mean the difference between a great night and a damaging disaster.

Is your home properly insured in case of a fire-related incident?
Even when you follow all the safety rules, accidents can happen. The good news? The right homeowners insurance policy can help protect your property, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Contact Hertvik Insurance Group today for a free homeowners insurance review. Our local experts will make sure you’re covered for fire, weather, liability, and more—so you can enjoy your summer nights with total confidence.