The Disadvantages of Campfires

Campfires are a symbol of fraternity and familial warmth that goes beyond the flames. This "free" stove and natural insect repellant might seem like the perfect addition to any campsite. However, for all its romantic atmosphere and heat, the campfire has significant disadvantages for both the environment and its builders and users.

  1. Reliability

    • If you depend on your campfire for food and warmth, you might be in trouble. Campfires, especially when made by amateurs, are notoriously unreliable. It is often difficult to find enough dry fuel. If you don't have a hatchet or axe, it is impossible to split wood into the kindling needed to get a strong fire going. If the wood is too green, it smokes and smolders instead of burning hot. If it is too windy, getting the kindling lit is challenging. And if you get a fire started before the sun goes down, there is always the chance an unwelcome rainstorm will put it out.

    Environment

    • Campfires are not good for the surrounding area, nor the environment in general. They release carcinogenic and toxic air pollutants when burning just wood. When people burn garbage in their campfires, even more pollutants and chemicals are released, including benzane and lead. Campfires harm the surrounding area by sterilizing the soil and consuming dead organic material, a necessary part of the life cycles of plants, animals and fungi. Collecting firewood from the area can damage trees and consume wood that may provide homes for living organisms. Campfires can also spread if left carelessly tended and cause massive forest fires, destroying acres of forest and ruining ecosystems.

    Danger

    • Campfires are dangerous because of the high risk of forest fires associated with them. During the summer of 2007, the Ministry of Environment in the Canadian territory of Saskatchewan fought 151 forest fires caused by humans. These fires not only destroy forests, they can also spread and take human lives. Even small campfires can present dangers, like burns and cuts from chopping and collecting wood. When cooking over a campfire, pot handles often become hotter than expected, which can burn human hands.

    Cleanliness and Inconvenience

    • Fires are not clean. Any pots or pans used to cook over a fire are blackened on the bottoms. Your clothes, hands and hair get dirty from the wood collection and smoke and ash. Even small campfires leave a scar on the landscape, including blackened rocks and charred wood. They also require much tending to continue burning, and extensive care to ensure they don't spread and are properly extinguished.