Beware of Covering Your Fire with Sand

Peninsula Beachgoers! Covering your campfire with sand may appear convenient and effective, but it hides potential dangers.

The following are some hazards you should be aware of:

Incomplete extinguishment: Covering a fire with sand may not fully extinguish it. Sand, unlike other fire suppression methods such as water or fire extinguishers, lacks the ability to suffocate flames completely. This means that even if it appears to be out, the fire could reignite and cause further damage or pose a risk to your safety.

Hidden smoke and heat: Sand can insulate heat and trap smoke within its grains, giving an illusion of the fire being extinguished even when it’s not. This can lead to serious consequences if you accidentally disturb the sand-covered fire, suddenly causing it to flare up.

Delayed action: When you cover a fire with sand, it takes more time for the sand to work its way through to the fire’s embers and extinguish them. This delay can lead to potential risks, especially when time is of the essence.

So what should you do instead?

Use water! Pouring water on a fire is one of the most effective ways to do it. Make sure to douse the flames thoroughly and keep an eye out for any smoldering areas.