10 outdoor fire prevention tips

One of the most important aspects of fire safety is awareness of current conditions. Use local fire danger ratings to help your decision-making. Even if you think it looks safe, exercise caution.

“A commonly held but outdated belief is, ‘if conditions don’t feel particularly dry, the fire risk is low,'” said Marco D’Agostino, President of the Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of BC (FPOABC).³

“In reality, fine fuels such as grass and surface debris can dry rapidly, even after recent rainfall. Ignition risk is often governed by localized conditions like sun exposure, wind, or humidity, not just general perceptions.”

Pay attention to local fire bans, which can change frequently. Not only do you risk starting a fire, you risk a hefty fine — as much as $100,000 in BC, for example.⁴

Fire regulations are set both provincially and by individual municipalities, so check your local regulations specifically.

“From a fire prevention perspective, human activity remains one of the leading causes of wildfires, and many of these incidents are preventable,” said D’Agostino. “Whether operating landscaping equipment, off-road vehicles, or newer portable power systems, the consistent application of manufacturer guidance, situational awareness, and basic fire prevention practices is critical.”

Campfires and outdoor cooking

1. Start safely

If you’re using a charcoal grill, only use an electric starter or a solid, cake-form chemical starter. Don’t use liquid chemical starters or other flammable liquids like gasoline.

Before you light a campfire, make sure you have enough water nearby to extinguish it — at least eight litres.

2. Choose the location carefully

Whether gas or charcoal, make sure your grill isn’t placed somewhere that the heat could ignite nearby materials. Place the grill away from your house (or any other structure) and not underneath any eaves or other overhead cover. Ensure there’s no vegetation nearby. Make sure your grill is stable and level as well.

For campfires, use a fire pit if one is available. Otherwise, build your fire on non-combustible ground like bare rock or dirt. Choose a site close to a water source and sheltered from the wind, at least three metres away from any overhanging tree branches. Clear a space of about two metres around the fire, clearing away dry twigs, pine needles, and other flammables.⁵

3. Never leave a grill or campfire unattended

While a grill is running or a campfire is hot, do not leave it unattended until it’s been completely extinguished. Keep small children away from active flames.

4. Extinguish flames completely

Douse campfires with plenty of water. It may take 8 to 10 litres of water to completely extinguish a fire. Pour some water over the fire, then stir the ashes around with a stick before pouring more water. Continue this process until there’s no smoke and the water doesn’t hiss when it hits the coals or ashes.

When you’re finished with a charcoal grill, soak the remaining hot coals thoroughly. Let them cool completely, then wrap them in aluminum foil before disposing of them.

Related articles

• Preparing for wildfires
• Preventing household fires

Tools and machinery

5. Use landscaping tools with care

Landscaping and yard care may not seem like a fire hazard. But, any use of power equipment in dry conditions requires caution.

“Power landscaping equipment, particularly lawnmowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, and brush cutters, can present a moderate to high ignition risk, especially during dry conditions,” said D’Agostino.³

According to D’Agostino, the main sources of ignition from power equipment include:

• Hot engine and exhaust components contacting dry grass or debris
• Metal blades or components striking rocks, producing sparks
• Accumulated vegetation debris near mufflers or engine housings

Sparks are a primary source of ignition from power tools, and they’re more common than you might think.

Obviously, if you’re doing any outdoor work with spark-producing tools like grinders or welders, you need to have a fire suppression plan in place.⁶ That includes having a fire extinguisher nearby and clearing a wide area of flammable materials.

D’Agostino and the FPOABC recommend the following safety measures for using power landscaping tools outdoors:

• Always follow manufacturer recommendations, including maintenance schedules, operating limits, and safe-use instructions
• Avoid operation during peak heat or wind conditions (typically mid-afternoon)
• Clear the work area of dry vegetation and debris before starting
• Ensure spark arrestors (where applicable) are installed and functioning properly
• Regularly clean equipment, especially around mufflers and engine cooling areas
• Keep a fire extinguisher or water source readily available
• Shut down equipment immediately if unusual heat, smell, or sparking is observed³

6. Drive safely

Vehicles can start fires in dry conditions — especially off-road vehicles like ATVs or dirt bikes with exposed engine components. D’Agostino and the FPOABC list three notable risks arising from off-road vehicles:

• Hot exhaust systems igniting dry grass or forest litter
• Undercarriage components collecting and heating vegetation debris
• Sparks or heat from mechanical failure or contact with rocks³

“Vehicles parked or idling over dry fuels present a particularly high risk,” said D’Agostino.

When you’re operating an off-road vehicle, make sure to follow these safety practices:

• Adhering strictly to manufacturer recommendations, including maintenance of exhaust systems and heat shields
• Ensuring approved spark arrestors are installed and maintained
• Avoiding driving or parking over dry grass, brush, or slash
• Allowing hot components to cool before stopping in vegetated areas
• Inspecting undercarriages regularly for debris buildup
• Carrying firefighting tools, such as a small extinguisher, shovel, or water
• Complying with local fire restrictions and closures, which may prohibit off-road use during extreme conditions³

Additionally, make sure trailer chains or other dangling bits of metal are secured and don’t bounce on the road surface.

One last bit of common sense: don’t toss cigarette butts while you’re driving (or ever). Dispose of them in the trash after they’ve been completely extinguished. Detailed data on the triggers of human-caused fires isn’t widely available, but smoker’s materials were implicated in an estimated 11% of outdoor fires in one Canadian study.⁷

7. Refuel cautiously

Whether landscaping tools or vehicles, be careful while you’re refuelling:

• Always turn off the engine and allow it to cool before refuelling, as hot surfaces can ignite fuel vapours
• Refuel in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources, including open flames, sparks, or hot equipment
• Use approved fuel containers and follow manufacturer guidance on fuel type and handling
• Avoid overfilling and clean up any spills immediately
• Never refuel while the equipment is running or still hot
• Secure fuel containers properly and store them away from operational areas³

“Proper refuelling practices are a key but often overlooked component of fire prevention,” said D’Agostino.³

8. Be careful with batteries

You may not have to worry about refuelling hazards or exhaust sparks, but lithium-ion batteries come with their own fire risks. Take care if you use battery-powered tools, portable power stations, solar chargers, or similar equipment outdoors.

“Although these devices are generally safe when used correctly, failures can result in intense, difficult-to-extinguish fires,” said D’Agostino.³

The risk of a lithium-ion battery igniting is worsened when it’s exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Damaged batteries are also more likely to fail and combust. Follow these safety tips while using a battery-powered tool or portable power station:

• Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and accessories
• Avoid charging or storing devices in extreme heat
• Inspect batteries regularly for swelling, damage, or unusual heat
• Store and operate equipment in dry, well-ventilated areas away from combustible materials
• Follow all manufacturer storage and usage guidelines³

Visit our complete guide to lithium-ion battery safety for more fire prevention tips in or out of the house.

Other safety tips

9. Use fireworks with extreme caution (or not at all)

Fireworks are fun, but experts recommend letting the professionals handle it. Attend an organized fireworks show instead of setting off your own fireworks.

If you do choose to set off fireworks, be extremely careful. Pick a wide-open area free of combustible materials, overhead obstructions, buildings, and vehicles. Never use fireworks in windy or dry conditions. Follow the product safety instructions to the letter. Keep a large store of water nearby and soak used fireworks before throwing them away.⁸

Remember: if your fireworks start a fire, you can be held liable for any damage it causes.⁹

10. Limit open burning

It’s common practice in many areas to burn grass clippings, tree trimmings, and other plant material. However, the safer disposal method is to chip and compost these materials instead.

Large, open fires can be extremely dangerous. They’re the first fires outlawed when fire bans come into effect.

If you must burn plant material, do so with great caution. Review and follow the regulations for where you live; you may have to follow provincial or municipal rules, or both. Keep fires as small as possible, and burn only during calm, cool conditions in a wide-open space away from anything combustible. Never burn garbage, or anything other than plant material.

Just like fireworks, if your burn pile starts a larger fire, you can be held liable for the damage.⁹

Commonly asked questions

What should you do if you see a fire?

If you see an outdoor fire, report it as soon as possible. You can always call 9-1-1 (where available) or the local fire emergency number. Almost every province and territory also has a dedicated phone number for reporting wildfires, which is useful if you’re outside a municipal fire protection area.

If the fire is just starting and you have water or fire suppression gear available, do your best to extinguish it without putting yourself in danger.

Do fire bans affect insurance claims?

Insurance, especially home insurance, offers broad coverage for fire damage. However, if you start an illegal fire during a fire ban, damage to your property might not be covered if the fire gets out of hand. On the other hand, if someone else starts an illegal fire that goes on to damage your property, your insurance should still cover that loss.

Can I use a propane stove during a fire ban?

Fire ban regulations vary by province and municipality, but gas stoves are usually allowed during campfire bans. Typically, an allowable stove must be certified by an organization such as CSA or ULC. Make sure to review the regulations for your local area, keeping in mind that municipalities may enforce stricter fire bans than provincial regulations.

Also, note that charcoal stoves are usually not allowed during a fire ban — only gas stoves.

Who enforces fire restrictions and issues fines?

There are many agencies authorized to enforce fire regulations. It depends on where you are, and may include conservation officers, park rangers, bylaw officers, and police officers.

Sources

1. Natural Resources Canada. “Fire History Data Explorer.” cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca, cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/en/fire-history. Accessed 5 June 2026.
2. Ness, Ryan. “Wildfires Can Start in Many Ways — But Climate Change Supercharges Them.” Canadian Climate Institute, 8 July 2025, climateinstitute.ca/wildfires-can-start-in-many-ways-climate-change-supercharges-them.
3. D’Agostino, Marco and Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of BC. Personal interview. 14 July 2026.
4. “Fire Prohibitions and Restrictions.” www2.gov.bc.ca, www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions. Accessed 5 June 2026.
5. “How to Prevent Forest Fires.” ontario.ca, 17 July 2014, www.ontario.ca/page/how-prevent-forest-fires.
6. BC Wildfire Service. “People Urged to Use Caution with High-risk Activities.” news.gov.bc.ca, 16 July 2025, news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015FLNR0192-001109.
7. Garis, Len and Chris Biantoro. “Fires in Canada Originating from Smoking Materials.” University of the Fraser Valley, March 2019, cjr.ufv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Fires-in-Canada-Originating-from-Smoking-Materials-March-2019.pdf.
8. Natural Resources Canada. “Buying and Using Consumer Fireworks Safely and Legally.” natural-resources.canada.ca, 20 December 2024, natural-resources.canada.ca/minerals-mining/explosives-fireworks-ammunition/fireworks-pyrotechnics/buying-consumer-fireworks-safely-legally.
9. Wildfire Management Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. F.24. ontario.ca, www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90f24.

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