The Singing Scoutmaster: Putting Out Campfires the Scout Way

Starting a campfire is easy. Ending one properly? That takes skill, patience, and Scout honor. A well-built fire brings warmth and stories—but a poorly extinguished fire risks disaster. Knowing the difference between "looks out" and "cold out" is part of every Scout's outdoor training.

"Cold Out" vs. "Looks Out"

A campfire may look extinguished when the flames and smoke vanish—but that doesn't mean it's safe. Hidden embers can stay hot for hours beneath ashes or logs. That's why the standard isn't "looks out"—it's "cold out." That means:

• No heat felt when you hover your hand over the ashes.
• No steam or hissing when water is poured on it.
• You can safely press your palm on the ashes (if you choose!) without feeling warmth.

Keep adding water and stirring with a stick until all coals are cool and gray. If water is scarce, use dirt or sand—but only if the fire is already mostly out. Never bury a live fire—buried coals can smolder and reignite later.

Safe Ash Disposal

In developed campgrounds, leave the ashes in the designated ring. In the backcountry or wilderness areas, cold ashes can be scattered far from camp to minimize impact—just be sure they're truly out. Use a trowel to spread them in a wide area and avoid dumping them in streams or under live plants.

Closing with Scout Spirit

Extinguishing the fire is also a symbolic moment—a signal that the day is done. Use it as a time for a brief Scoutmaster's Minute, a quiet reflection, or a final verse of a favorite camp song. Let Scouts take turns dousing and stirring the fire to learn the skill firsthand. You might even add a line like:

"As the last spark fades, may our memories stay bright."

It's a fitting close to a day in the wild—and a reminder that the best Scouts always leave a campsite better than they found it.