For many, the thought of placing their tent near to the campfire just seems so inviting. Especially for those who get cold during the night easily. I mean, the warmth you will likely experience with your tent near to the fire is going to be wonderful right! No, it’s not always that simple. The repercussions from placing your tent to close to a fire can be detrimental, both to yourself and those with you, as well as your camping gear.
Now, of course there’s another side to that coin. As many are worried about the safety concerns around their tent being too close to the fire. This is the majority. Most who go camping don’t exactly want to place their tent near the fire for the warmth factor. Rather they want to know “What is a safe distance between the tent and the campfire?”
Well today we will answer both. But of course there are many variables that need to be considered, to which we will be going over later.
So, How far away from the campfire should you place your Tent? Well, the short answer is: You should place your tent at least 40 – 50 feet away (or more) from a campfire in most situation. However, many variables should be considered such as, wind direction, fire size, tent value and so forth. Placing your tent to close can result in a damaged tent / shelter or worse…
Now, the long answer is, It depends… You see, not every situation is alike, and there is a multitude of different factors to consider when it comes to deciding a good / safe distance away from a fire to place your tent.
It is important that you go over the factors listed below, so you understand how best to go about deciding a good distance for you. Because not all situations are the same.
Factors To Consider
- Available Camp Space & Geographical Location
- The Value Of Your Tent
- The Flammability Of your Tent
- Wind Direction
- What You Intend On Burning
- Those Who Are With You
Available Camp Space & Geographical Location: Depending on the terrain you choose to camp in it may be more desirable to pitch your tent farther from the fire, or the opposite. For example if your out camping during the middle of winter, in an location that experiences harsh, cold winters. Then it may be more desirable for some to place their tent nearer. As this will likely help keep the tent warm (If the camp is set up properly).
However, keep in mind the closer you put your tent to the fire, the greater the risk of your tent becoming damaged / burnt. But depending on the situation you are in, and the value of the gear. It may be worth the risk of embers getting you tent. Though, of course, never put you tent so close that you run the risk of it catching on fire… Below we will go over the minimum distance away you should reasonably, and safely place your tent from the fire.
But for now, be sure to evaluate the terrain, the environment, and the overall fire danger level of the area you intend on camping. Based on this as well as the other below factors you should be able to make an educated decision as to where you should best place your tent.
The Value Of Your Tent: Now, of course, if you spent a lot of money on your tent, and you care very much for it. Would you be willing to place your new, expensive tent right next to the campfire, where odds of it getting burn are virtually 100%?? I sure wouldn’t be willing to do that, even if my life depended on it… Well, If my life depended on it I would. But you get my perspective.
Depending on the value you place on your tent, you should be able to make a good decision as to where to place your tent. But never go under the minimum distance as listed below.
I’m sure you, along with many others would agree with me when I say:
Placing a tent or shelter close enough to a fire that it is most likely going to get burned is just straight up ridiculous. Unless you are in a life or death situation. But even then you run the risk of your shelter bursting into flames with you inside…
However, given that burnt tents typically are a result of floating embers rather then the acturall flames of the fire. It can be difficult to judge the distance an ember is likely to go.
Take away: The risk of your tent getting burned goes up the closer you place it to the fire. Based on the value you place on that should give you a good indication as to where you should pitch it. However, keep in mind: Its typically the embers from the fire that burn tents. It’s not always the flames of the fire that do it. This basically means your tent could get burnt even 15 – 20 feet away from a fire. Depending on other factors as listed in this article.
The Flammability Of Your Tent: Different materials are more susceptible to fire. Nylon tents specifically, are extremely susceptible. I don’t know if you have ever seen a hot ember touch nylon, but it instantly burns a hole through it. It’s almost like the material runes away from the heat it happens so fast.
But it’s not only nylon that is excessively susceptible to heat. Canvas, Polyester…etc are all extremely susceptible to heat. Come to think of it, Nylon and Polyester would likely just melt quickly rather then catch on fire (Not to say it won’t catch flame, as it will, just it seams to require a greater amount of material then just the thin wall of a tent. That is when up against a floating ember). Whereas canvas is thick enough, a falling ember may land on it, and not burn through quick enough. Which could reslult in the tent catching fire…
But keep in mind the above statement is more based on my past experience, not fact.
Anyway, some tents will specify some sort of heat / flammability rating, but odds are it wont withstand the heat of a hot ember, or flames blazing up the front of the tent. If you must place your tent nearest to the fire, the flammability of your specific tent should definitely be a consideration. If it is labeled as “Flammable” Then obviously, do not place it near the fire where it’s going to catch fire, which in most cases tents are…
Wind Direction (Windy): Wind direction has the largest impact in tent to fire placement. Though wind direction can change in a moment, because of this if you are experiencing any minimal wind you would opt for placing your tent farther from the campfire than you normally would.
Given the fact that wind exists to begin with it only improves the distance hot embers can reach. Because of this as well as the fact that the wind direction can change it is important that you place your tent at a greater distance from the fire then you otherwise would. But to be honest, you shouldn’t be building a fire if you are in a windy environment.
That is if you are in an area with large amounts of vegetation and so forth. Fire danger is a massive issue in many parts of the world. Always ensure you are in a safe situation before lighting a fire.
What You Intend on Burning: Even though it shouldn’t necessarily be done. Many burn a portion or all of their garbage in their campfire. This becomes a problem, Not only because it is essentially like littering to a degree. But also because the paper made items such as paper plates, cups, bowls… as well as cardboard and thing alike will actually float up and out of the fire (Still on fire).
This is because the upward vortex created by the flames / heat will essentially lift any lightweight items up and out of the fire. And if it is exceptionally lightweight those items will typically continue burning even after floating 10 feet plus, up and out of the fire. Basically its the same sort of deal as when embers float up and out of the fire. But in the case of garbage and other lightweight items alike, Such as dried out leave.
They weigh so little that the vortex is able to push them up and out of the fire during the burn process.
Now, you’re probably wondering how this will affect the distance your tent is from the campfire? Simply, think about this scenario, Your tent is 10 feet from the fire. The wind is slightly blowing, and your tent is located downwind of the fire. You place a paper on top of the fire. The flames quickly consume the edges of the plate, and as the flames work their way toward the center to the plate, the plate becomes airborne, and is make its way toward your tent (Still on fire). This little burning fire ball, touches the vestibule of your tent, and quickly burns a large hole in the vestibule, and quite likely would have lite the tent on fire had you not reacted quickly by patting out the flame as it hit.
Not to mention the amount of danger that burning paper plate had on the landscape. Any way moral of the story at this point you would have a large hole in your tent… Simply because you had your tent to close to the fire.
Now, of course you wouldn’t be caught in this situation because you are a smart person who is reading this to keep yourself, your gear, and those along for the ride safe. I simply bring up this scenario because this is how the large majority of tents end up with holes burnt in them. Now, of course it isn’t always a small piece of burning paper plate. Rather it is typically burning embers that cause for burnt holes in tents.
It’s important to keep in mind that it isn’t always a piece of garbage flying through the air (On fire) that can possess a risk. Rather just simply choosing the wrong piece of wood can cause for a lot of embers to come from it during the burn process. When having a fire there’s always the risk of embers making their way out of the fire and damaging your equipment. That is if you have it too close to the fire.
Those Who Are With You: Depending on the people who are with you, it may, or may not be a good idea to place your tent and gear closer to the fire. As you know, all of use humans are different. I mean, we have similarity, but for the most part no two humans are exactly alike. Well same goes with difference in regard to fire safety. Some people couldn’t be any safer when handling fire.
However, sadly, some couldn’t have more of a disregard to fire safety then they currently do. Now, I don’t bring this up to be condescending or anything alike. Rather to point out the fact that if you have a group fire in the middle of a large camp (let’s say theoretically) and some people from the group decide it would be fun to light a stick on fire and throw it just because it looks cool, or light a bunch of gas on fire… (really anything irresponsible).
Would it be safe for your tent / shelter to be anywhere near that as it is going on? Most Likely not. This is why I bring up the fact that you should consider those who are around you as you decide where to place your tent.
I have personally had people near me acting a such when out in the backcountry, and though it can be fun for some. It can get very dangerous, and likely damage gear, not to mention hurt others.
Conclusion
In ending, simply evaluate your situation before you pitch your tent / shelter. I’m assuming you’d prefer your tent stay in good condition for a long time to come. In order to keep it as such. I suggest you place your tent at least 50 feet (preferably more) from a moderately small campfire However, this is assuming weather conditions are good, you don’t burn anything out of the ordinary, as well, you don’t have super high regards for your tent.
If you do have high regards for your tent, I would suggest you go much further if possible. Better to be safe than sorry in my opinion. Some suggest at least 25 to 30 feet is a good distance however, I don’t see this as an adequate distance. Simply because embers can travel some distance, especially is a little bit of wind is present. My suggestion Is 50 feet away or more if possible.
Keep in mind the biggest threat are the embers produced by the fire. Those little buggers will come floating up out of the fire, and if your tent is to close they will zap a hole in the tent the instant it touches…
I hope you were able to find some value here. If you have any further question regarding basic camping etiquette, I suggest you check out the Outdoor Luxuriez General Camp Center. Where we go over general camping information to help you have a better experience in the backcountry!
This Is Colt Signing Off!
