Building a Campfire. Make sure you are allowed to start fires where you are going. The Forest Service discourages campfires because they cause a hazard and leave an ugly scar in the forest. So if possible use a stove for low-impact (no trace) camping. If you have to start a fire - if you are lost it may make a difference for survival - here’s how.
Pack your own firewood if you can. If you gather wood in the forest to burn, use only wood from the ground that you can break with your hands. Keep your fire small.
Choose a place away from tree roots and branches, a place where a fire was lit in the past if you can find one. Clear a circle about 10 feet in diameter and build the fire in the center. Taking away all of the debris increases the chance that the fire will spread.
Gather tinder (easily burning small fuel like fire starters, dead evergreen twigs, dry dead bark); kindling (dry sticks); firewood (larger wood). Start by placing the kindling crisscross over the tinder. The general rule is to go from small to large. You can fuzz sticks to make them burn better-just whittle the outside into scales.
If you are stuck without matches, you can start a fire using a long, thin stick and twirling it fast between your palms with a board with some tinder next to the point of friction. Or use a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun on a piece of paper to start a fire.
Cone Fire: Make a tepee of tinder and sticks, with the tinder inside. Cone fires burn fast.
Hunter’s Fire: This is also a quick fire. Start a small fire, then as coals start forming, put two small logs straddling the fire, so the wind blows between them. Let them support the pot as they burn.
Hunter’s Fire: This is also a quick fire. Start a small fire, then as coals start forming, put two small logs straddling the fire, so the wind blows between them. Let them support the pot as they burn.
Keyhole Fire: This is a good long-lasting fire. With stones, mark out the shape of a keyhole. The long section should be 3-6 feet long, wide enough to support pots. Start a fire in the circular section and push burning wood down into the corridor as needed to heat pots.
Pyramid Fire: Put down tinder, then build a log cabin of wood around it. On top lay wood to make the whole thing into a box.
Pyramid Fire: Put down tinder, then build a log cabin of wood around it. On top lay wood to make the whole thing into a box.
Never leave a fire alone. Pour water and dirt over it twice before you leave. Stir the embers, make sure the fire is cold. If you see steam, it is still not out. Bury the ashes and put forest debris over the spot.
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