Locate the fire in a safe place. It should be clear for 10 feet (3 meters) all around.
Do not light a fire beneath overhanging branches.
Do not use accelerants, such as lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, etc. Learn to light a fire without these.
Put the fire out completely before leaving it. If it's too hot to put your hands in the ashes, it's not sufficiently out. Douse it down with water, turn the coals with a shovel, and be sure to extinguish every coal and ember.
Do not build a fire on top of flammable material such as grass or leaves.
Cut away the sod (keep it moist so it stays alive, and replace it before your leave), and clear away the duff and litter.
Keep fire extinguishing supplies handy and near the fire. A bucket of water or sand, or a fire extinguisher are recommended.
Do not remove burning sticks from a fire.
Watch for embers that escape the fire pit and extinguish them immediately.
Wear proper footwear around a fire.
Be aware that paper, cardboard, and leaves create floating embers that rise out of the fire pit and may land dozens of yards away.
Do not light a fire when conditions are adverse (high winds, or drought conditions).
