Fires can be built in many ways for many purposes. \u00a0Cooking, keeping warm and lowering consumption of valuable resources are all valid reasons for specific fire designs. \u00a0Knowing what fire to build can make your task a lot easier. \u00a0Why burn more wood than you need to if the area is wet or fuel is scarce? \u00a0You don’t want to keep warm next to a fire that is much better suited for cooking either. \u00a0This knowledge is easy to learn and valuable to have.<\/p>\n
Before you decide to light the kindling, think about a few factors. \u00a0You must have a containment for the fire you are about to build. \u00a0This may be in the form of a ring, pit or trench as long as you are able to control the blaze. \u00a0Look for rocks to form a barrier to keep embers inside of. \u00a0If you are in an area without suitable rocks, dig a pit or trench. \u00a0If you cannot dig then build up a dirt wall. Where there is a will, there is a way and this barrier is an absolute requirement.<\/p>\n
Have a way or plan to extinguish the flames when you are done or if things get out of hand. \u00a0A water restricted area may require you to use earth rocks or sand to put out the fire. \u00a0Have this ready before you lite the fire. \u00a0This needs to be done before in case the fire jumps the barrier you have already built and you need to put it out fast. \u00a0Do not at any point become the person who started the 500 acre wildfire during the end of the summer when rain is sparse. \u00a0That is a terrible thing to do for one and for another will land you in jail. \u00a0Simply avoid this and be prepared.<\/p>\n
Layered (log cabin)- \u00a0as the nam suggests, this style of campfire is structured with layers of fuel to keep the flames a little lower. \u00a0The layered fire can be ideal for cooking over as coals will concentrate and evenly be distributed, thanks to the organized set up. \u00a0A best practice when setting up a layered fire is to use larges logs on the bottom and skinnier logs as you work your way up.<\/p>\n
Parallel- this sort of fire is made with two or more larger size logs placed alongside one another with kindling in between. \u00a0If you are cooking with a pot or pan this is a good design to go with as the logs are a stable base to rest the pot or pan on top of.<\/p>\n
Teepee- this fire is constructed by placing logs vertically and leaning them against each other. \u00a0As one log holds another up, kindling is placed inside the teepee that is created and ignited. \u00a0The kindling will then burn the logs standing above it and direct heat in an upward direction. \u00a0The teepee fire can be a great cooking fire but is also very good for keeping warm quickly.<\/p>\n
Star- this type of fire is known for being used in the Western United States (undoubtedly it is used in other locations as well). \u00a0The star fire is made by taking 5 to 6 logs and placing them in a star pattern if you are looking from overhead. \u00a0After they are lit, the builder will push them into the flames slowly overtime to maintain the burn and keep it going. \u00a0A star fire is an efficient use of wood and can be maintained with minimal effort for extended periods of time.<\/p>\n
Swedish Torch- a swedish torch is a very innovative and interesting type of fire. \u00a0This \u00a0will require use of a tool such as a saw or axe. \u00a0First you need to cut two times into one end of the log without going all the way through. \u00a0Ideally the cuts should be about 75% through on one end, leaving the other intact. \u00a0After the cutting, stuff kindling inside the cuts and light from the top. \u00a0If you only have an axe then quarter the log, band the pieces together and stuff kindling between them. \u00a0As the above fire burns, small coals will fall to light the inside. \u00a0A fire of this type will burn for a very long time without almost any care needed. \u00a0The flat top is also very good for cooking on top of.<\/p>\n
Different areas of the world require different types of fires. \u00a0This list is by no means exhaustive or inclusive of all campfire forms. \u00a0It is important to decide what your requirements are of the fire and then choose a design. \u00a0Doing so will usually make the required task easier and also make efficient use of the fuel you have available. \u00a0Some areas are more fuel rich environments than others but why waste what others may need after you?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"