(LEX 18) — We've gotten a little bit of rain and the weather has cooled down, but there is still a risk of wildfires at Daniel Boone National Forest. Officials want campers to know the right way to put out a campfire.
"These leaves are falling. It just takes a few leaves to come down on coal that's still left in that fire to start a forest fire,” said Julia Kirschman, a public information officer for the Daniel Boone National Forest.
The first thing to know is to only start campfires in designated areas.
"Where they have the metal rings in the campsites or the grills that are already established in the picnic area,” said Kirschman.
When it comes to putting out the campfire, it's important to make sure it's really out before you walk away. This means separating the logs and using plenty of water.
"Too much water is never going to hurt it,” said Kirschman. “The more, the better."
Kirschman advises campers to bring large containers, like milk jugs, to fill up with water at the campsite. If you don't have water, covering the flames with dirt also works. Use the back of your hand to check if there's no more heat and make sure smoke is gone.
There are flyers around Daniel Boone National Forest with fire safety tips and the locations of where you can start a campfire.
Currently, there are three active wildfires at Daniel Boone National Forest that crews are working to put out.
