The town fire marshal's office is offering the public some campfire safety tips to prevent fire-related accidents that can cause injuries. Campfire accidents send thousands of people to hospital emergency rooms every year.

The tips were provided by The National Fire Protection Association, a trade association comprised of insurance firms that issue fire insurance.

Before people set up a campfire, they should check on whether campfires are permitted in a given area by the local fire marshal. The local fire marshal's office is at Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, 203-270-4370.

*If permitted, campfires must be positioned at least 25 feet away from any structure or any flammable objects. Dry leaves, sticks, overhanging low branches, and shrubbery should be cleared away from any campfire site.

*Avoid burning on windy, dry days when campfires can spread out of control. Watch any children near a campfire. Never let children and pets stand too close to a campfire.

*Stay with the campfire at all times to keep it from burning out of control.

*Campfires should be kept small, so they area easier to control.

*Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids on a campfire.

*A water hose or a bucket of water and a shovel, plus dirt or sand, should be kept nearby to put out the fire. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the area.

If your clothing catches fire - stop, drop, and roll. Drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over, or roll back and forth until the fire is out.

Burns should be treated immediately. Cool the burn with cool water for three to five minutes. Burns should be covered with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help if needed.

When roasting marshmallows at a campfire, help young children do so. Never shake a roasting marshmallow, as it can become a flying, flaming ball of fire. Metal skewers used to roast marshmallows can cause burns.