Midsummer safety: expert advice on campfires and hot tubs

Midsummer brings bonfires and outdoor gatherings, but experts say it's easy to overlook basic safety rules amid the festive mood. Fire safety doesn't end when the flames go out, dangers persist after the party. Experts offer practical advice for celebrating this year's Midsummer safely.

Midsummer is one of Estonia's most beloved celebrations, with bonfires, the smell of grilled food, and nights spent together becoming tradition. Yet the festive atmosphere brings with it hazards that experts recommend paying attention to.

Fire safety begins with preparation

One of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong location for a bonfire. A fire should be built on solid, non-flammable ground, positioned sufficiently far from buildings, bushes, and dry grass. People living in apartment buildings should bear in mind that making a bonfire on a balcony is a fire hazard and often forbidden, for grilling, it is safer to use designated outdoor areas.

Before lighting a fire, it's worth checking whether a fire ban is in place in the area. During dry and windy weather, a fire ban may be enforced even when this wouldn't normally seem necessary in everyday life.

The fire goes out, the danger remains

Experts emphasize that fire safety does not end when the flames die down. Glowing coals can reignite fire hours later, which is why the bonfire site must be properly extinguished before leaving, either by soaking with water or covering with sand and ensuring everything is completely cooled.

Similarly, the grill must be handled carefully after use. Hot grill coals should not be left unattended or placed indoors before they have cooled completely.

Hot tubs and water safety

Midsummer often involves using hot tubs and swimming in bodies of water. Experts warn that alcohol and water are a dangerous combination. Children near bodies of water require constant adult supervision, regardless of whether it is a garden hot tub, lake, or river.

A safe Midsummer requires just a few simple rules: keep a water bucket or fire extinguisher near the fire, don't leave an open flame unattended, and be aware of your surroundings. This way, this year's Midsummer can be celebrated both festively and worry-free.