Purpose:

This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build
campfires.

General information

• Sometimes it’s better to use a stove than to build a fire
• Fires leave scars with long lasting effects

Before starting a fire:

• Permits: Some localities or campgrounds require a permit to build an open fire. You need to know (ignorance of the law is no excuse) before you build the fire, and obtain necessary permissions.
• Do not build a fire when conditions are too dry
• Build a fire ring or dig a pit – save the sod to reinstall later (place sod in a shady location with the grass side up)
• Always ensure a jug of water and/or a shovel is available by the fire

Clearing the area:

• All flammable vegetation must be cleared at least 5 feet in all directions from a fire.
• Check above the fire ring to make sure there’s no flammable vegetation

Starting the fire:

• NEVER use flammable liquids (e.g. gasoline) to start a fire
• It’s OK to use fire starter sticks
• It’s OK to use a butane lighter, but store the lighter out of the sun
• Start with small, easily burnable material (tinder), move up to larger sticks (kindling), then to larger pieces of wood (fuel)

Maintaining the fire

• Only one person in charge of the fire at a time
• Fire is attended at all times
• No playing with the fire – do not poke at the fire; stay out of the fire ring

Putting out the fire

• First, spread the coals
• Then sprinkle water on the fire to begin to cool it (steam can cause severe
  burns)
• Finally, apply water liberally until the fire is “dead out” – cool to the touch
• If water is scarce, use sand or dirt to put out the fire

After you’re done

• Dig out ashes and dispose of properly (throw away, spread out)
• Rocks that were used to form a fire circle should be turned over and put
  back

Common problems & misconceptions

• If a fire “looks” like it’s out (no smoke), it’s really out
• Leaving the fire unattended for “just a few minutes”
• Playing around the fire
• More than one person attending the fire
• Poking the fire

Using a camping stove

• There are two types of common fuel for camping stoves
• White gas (Coleman fuel)
• Propane

Lighting a stove

• Light the match, hold close to the burner, then turn on the gas
• Some burners have automatic starters; if so do not let gas run if fire doesn’t start immediately; if starter doesn’t work, use a match

Final comments

• Always use common sense – these rules can’t possibly cover all situations
• These privileges can be taken away if you fail to act responsibly
• Waterproofing a match (dip head of the match in melted wax)
• Making fire starter (lent & wax)
• Never take tinder or fuel from a live tree
• How to light a match (be 100% ready before lighting the match)
• Lighting

The Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to

• Be Clean in my outdoor manners.
• Be Careful with fire.
• Be Considerate in the outdoors.
  And
• Be Conservation-Minded.

Requirements in the 2003 Boy Scout Requirements Book (33215F) read as
follows:

This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build
campfires. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated
by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:

1. Read and understand fire use and safety rules from the Boy Scout
   Handbook.
2. Secure necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).
3. Clear all flammable vegetation at least 5 feet in all directions from fire
   (total 10 feet).
4. Attend to fire at all times.
5. Keep fire-fighting tools (water and/or shovel) readily available.
6. Leave fire when it is cold out.
7. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code and Leave-No-Trace.
   

The Scout's "Firem'n Rights" can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.
The wording on the back of the Firem'n Chit Card shown above, is slightly
different, since they are stated in the first person, but the requirements are the
same.

My Responsibility
I will take this card to my Scout leader or other person designated by my
leader, and show I know the following:

1. I have read and understand fire use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.
2. I will secure necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).
3. All flammable vegetation must be cleared at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).
4. Fire must be attended to at all times.
5. Fire-fighting tools (water and/or shovel) must be readily available.
6. Fire must be cold out before it is left.
7. I subscribe to the Outdoor Code and Leave-No-Trace.