Simple ways to help children understand fire safety—and keep the family fun going when outdoor fires are off-limits.
“But why can’t we roast marshmallows?”
If your family loves a backyard fire pit or a campfire treat, a burn ban might bring a few disappointed faces. It also offers a chance to teach children how our choices help protect neighbors, firefighters, wildlife, and the places we love around Monroe–West Monroe.
The conversation doesn’t have to be scary. Start with a simple explanation, let children ask questions, and give them safe ways to help.
Explain a burn ban in words kids understand
Try saying: “A burn ban is a temporary safety rule that limits outdoor burning. When it’s easier for a fire to start or spread, we pause certain activities to help keep everyone safe.”
Louisiana’s state and local authorities issue burn bans when fire risk increases. Restrictions can vary by location and by the specific order, so grown-ups should check the rules before planning an outdoor fire.
For younger children, compare it to waiting to use the playground during a thunderstorm: sometimes we change our plans because conditions make an activity unsafe.
Helpful Tips: The Monroe Fire Department offers "FREE" smoke alarms with installation to all City of Monroe residents. If you would like a smoke alarm installed in your home, contact our office at (318) 329-2475 to be scheduled for installation.
The City of West Monroe offers smoke alarms to citizens of West Monroe at no cost! Not only will we provide the smoke alarms, but we will also gladly come to install them for you as well. If you would like to request a smoke alarm or schedule a time to install it, please call our administration office at (318) 397-0758.
The Ouachita Parish Fire Department has a "Get Alarmed" program that provides a working smoke alarm and teaches you how and when to test, maintain, or replace your alarms. This program is FREE and only for residents of Ouachita Parish who live outside of the City of Monroe or the City of West Monroe.
REQUEST A SMOKE ALARM
The Get Alarmed Program is typically adopted by all Fire Departments, if you live outside of the areas listed please go to the Louisiana Fire Department Directory to find a Fire Department in your area.
Turn a nature walk into a noticing game
On your next walk, invite children to look for dry leaves, brown grass, and fallen twigs. Ask, “What do you notice about the ground today?” or “Can you feel the wind?”
Explain that dry plants can catch fire, and wind can help a fire spread. Children can observe these conditions, but adults and local officials decide whether burning is allowed. One rainy afternoon is a reason to check for updates—not permission to start a fire.
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Give children a clear, safe job
Children don’t need to manage fires to help prevent them. Their job is to recognize a concern and tell a trusted adult.
Practice these reminders together:
- Matches and lighters are tools for grown-ups. If you find one, leave it alone and tell an adult.
- Keep your distance from fires and fire pits. Surrounding rocks and metal can stay hot after the flames disappear.
- Tell an adult about unexpected smoke or flames. Never approach a fire or try to put it out yourself.
These lessons reinforce Smokey Bear’s fire safety guidance for children.
Make checking the rules a family habit
Before a camping trip or backyard gathering, let children watch you check the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s fire conditions and burn ban page.
You can say, “We’re checking the safety rules for where we’ll be.” For Monroe–West Monroe families, that includes checking applicable city and Ouachita Parish restrictions. If the order leaves you unsure about a fire pit, grill, or other activity, ask your local fire department through its nonemergency number. Local rules may be stricter than state rules.
Keep the fun—with a different plan
A burn ban can become an invitation to get creative:
- Make a pretend campfire: Arrange paper “flames” around battery-operated lights and tell stories.
- Enjoy indoor s’mores: Have a grown-up prepare them in the microwave or oven.
- Create a safety poster: Let children draw trees, homes, animals, and firefighters with a message about protecting the community.
- Explore Smokey Bear activities: Find family learning materials through Smokey Bear’s educational resources.
The marshmallows may need a new venue, but family time is still on the menu.
Teaching children about burn bans helps them see that safety rules serve a purpose. Checking first, speaking up, and choosing another activity are small actions that help care for the community we call home.
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