Fire-free hiking break – a safe and easy way to take a break in nature

During a fire-free break, the campfire is not the main focus. Instead of building a fire, a break can be as simple as sitting down for a while, enjoying a warm drink from a thermos, or having ready-made snacks. A fire-free break offers an easy alternative when making a fire is not necessary or possible.

Climate change is increasingly visible in nature from a hiker’s perspective. Choosing to take a fire-free break is one way to adapt to changing conditions, such as more frequent dry periods and an increased risk of wildfires. A fire-free break supports sustainable and safe hiking in nature.

During hot, windy, and dry weather, especially when a wildfire warning is in force, a fire-free break is also essential for safety. In dry terrain, even a small spark can ignite vegetation quickly, and wildfires can spread uncontrollably over large areas. In such conditions, a fire-free break is a way for hikers to take responsibility for nature and shared safety – preventing damage before it occurs.

A fire-free break also encourages more conscious choices in hiking, such as how firewood is used and the impact of transporting it. For many, the crackling of a campfire is an essential part of the outdoor experience – after all, making a fire has been part of hiking traditions for decades. Yet few people consider that firewood may have travelled long distances before reaching a designated campfire site. The environmental impact of transporting firewood has been studied in the TOBE Low Carbon project (2020) (metsa.fi, in Finnish), which aims to reduce carbon emissions in Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park. Fire-free breaks help reduce this burden, as there is less need to transport firewood.

Have you ever thought about what really makes a break a break? According to a study carried out for the Climate Smart Campsite Handbook (Ilmastoviisaan taukopaikan käsikirja 2026) (pdf, 11 MT, metsa.fi, in Finnish), around 70% of hikers expect a break to include relaxation and enjoying nature. A break in nature is created by more than just the warmth of a fire.

Often, the best moments are those when you rest, open your thermos bottle, let nature breathe at its own rhythm, and feel its refreshing effect. A break may also include refreshments in the form of food. Meals for a break can be prepared at home in advance and packed along, kept warm in a thermos bottle, or planned to be cooked with a camp stove.

On short day trips and nearby trails, snacks that require no cooking make it easier to take a break. A small pre-prepared snack, a hot drink or soup from a thermos bottle is ready in an instant – and there is no need to even think about making a fire.
A relaxing break can begin quickly, before hunger or fatigue has a chance to take over the day. In addition, especially on dry and windy days, a fire-free break is the safest way to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Try these easy snacks

• A filled sandwich or wrap prepared in advance
• Nuts, fruit and berries
• A ready-made salad
• Soup or porridge packed in a thermos
• Your favourite hot drink prepared in a thermos

Mix and match according to your needs and preferences!

If your choice of snacks includes food that requires heating, a camping stove is a safe and easy-to-use solution. A camping stove can be used year-round, and its use is also allowed during a wildfire warning, provided that it does not pose a fire hazard.

Try these easy meals with a camping stove

• Ready-made soup, stew or another favourite meal that only needs heating
• Instant porridge with tasty toppings
• Quesadillas – warm folded tortillas – can be quickly prepared on a camping stove