Enviro-Log Reminds Campers to Practice Fire Safety

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - Jul 25, 2013) - According to the 2012 American Camper Report, camping continues to grow in popularity as 42.5 million Americans went camping in 2011, up from 39.9 million in 2010. The report also noted that outdoor cooking ranked second behind hiking as the favorite activity to engage in while camping. Enviro-Log®, Inc., maker of the greenest, most versatile firelogs and firestarters, reminds campers to practice fire safety to avoid injury and prevent damage to property and the environment.

"Campfires, cooking and fuel sources such as propane and lighter fluid are typically the most dangerous elements of any campsite. In addition, campers that do not practice proper fire safety can cause forest fires, brush fires, destruction of natural resources and personal property as well the endangerment of wildlife, other campers and area residents," said Ross McRoy, president of Enviro-Log. "Whether you choose to cook using a campfire, portable grill or stove, fires should only be started in safe, designated areas away from hanging branches, dry brush and leaves. Fires should never be left unattended and campers should check with state parks, campsites and recreation areas for rules on cooking and campfires as well as transportation and use of firewood and other fuel sources." 

Enviro-Log offers the following tips for a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

• Follow the rules.  Check with the campground for rules on use of campfires, portable grills and stoves. Find out if the campground has an existing fire pit or location for cooking. If there is not an existing fire pit or designated cooking area, and fires and cooking are allowed, ensure that the site you use is at least 15 feet away from your tent, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects, including overhanging branches. Also, check to see what kind of burning materials can be used; most states restrict transporting unapproved firewood into any state park, state forest or day-use area including: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
• Prepare the site.  Choose a spot that is protected from wind gusts and at least 15 feet from your tent and gear. Do not build a fire or use a portable grill or stove in hazardous or dry conditions. Clear a 15-foot diameter area around the location of a campfire. Remove any grass, twigs, leaves, branches and firewood. Also, make sure there are not any tree limbs or flammable objects hanging overhead. If an existing fire ring or fire pit is not provided, dig a pit in the dirt, about a foot deep and circle the pit with rocks. 
• Don't burn dangerous items.  Never use flammable liquids to ignite or keep your fire burning. This means avoid gasoline, diesel fuel, lighter fluid and other dangerous fuels. Never burn aerosol cans or pressurized containers. Never put glass in or near a fire. Glass can heat up and shatter. 
• Maintain your fire.  Keep your fire to a manageable size. Make sure children and pets are supervised when near the fire. NEVER leave your campfire, portable grill or stove unattended. 
• Extinguish your fire before you leave the campsite.  Allow the charcoal, firelog or firewood to burn completely to ash, if possible. Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel to ensure nothing is still burning. Pour water on the fire and be sure to saturate ALL embers. Make sure you listen for the hissing sound to stop. Make sure everything is wet. Consult your campground for directions on disposal of charcoal. 

For additional information on camping safety visit:

• Outdoor Industry Association: www.outdoorindustry.org  
• Don't Move Firewood Web site: www.dontmovefirewood.org/about.html  
• Smokey Bear Web site: www.smokeybear.com/campfire-safety.asp  
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/Features/OutdoorSafety/  

About Enviro-Log, Inc.  Enviro-Log® is an eco-friendly, consumer products and recycling company headquartered in Fitzgerald, Ga. Enviro-Log is the largest waxed cardboard recycler in North America and the third largest producer of manufactured firelogs in the U.S. Its firelogs are made of 100 percent recycled materials and burn cleaner than wood while providing 50 percent more heat per pound.  Enviro-Log Firelogs can be purchased at select national retail locations including Home Depot, Kmart, Lowes, True Value, Rite Aid, Sears, Whole Foods, Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Shaw's, select Ace Hardware, Stop & Shop, Giant Foods, Fresh Market, Harris Teeter, Weis Markets, Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Blain's Farm & Fleet and many regional retailers throughout the U.S. Enviro-Log Firelogs are also available in Canada at Lowe's, Walmart, Target and Canadian Tire locations. Made from 100 percent recycled eco-friendly wax, Enviro-Log Firestarters offer an alternative to kindling, petroleum-based starter blocks, lighter fluids, and ethanol-based gels. Enviro-Log Firestarters are available at select retail locations throughout the United States, including Ace Hardware, Lowe's Home Improvement stores nationwide, Rite Aid, The Home Depot (Northeast Region) and many regional grocery and hardware retailers such as Weis Markets, Stop & Shop, Giant Foods, and Blain's Farm & Fleet. More information on Enviro-Log can be found at www.enviro-log.net or by calling (866)343-6847. Retailers can also send an email to sales@enviro-log.net . You can also follow Enviro-Log on Facebook® at www.Facebook.com/Envirolog , or Twitter at http://twitter.com/EnviroLogFire for tips and product giveaways. 

Enviro-Log is a registered trademark of Enviro-Log, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are properties of their respective companies.