Don’t Build Just Any Campfire, Build The Right Campfire
Almost Anyone Can Burn Wood, Some Can Build A Fire With Intent
Fires can be built in many ways for many purposes. Cooking, keeping warm and lowering consumption of valuable resources are all valid reasons for specific fire designs. Knowing what fire to build can make your task a lot easier. Why burn more wood than you need to if the area is wet or fuel is scarce? You don’t want to keep warm next to a fire that is much better suited for cooking either. This knowledge is easy to learn and valuable to have.
Prior To Pyro
Before you decide to light the kindling, think about a few factors. You must have a containment for the fire you are about to build. This may be in the form of a ring, pit or trench as long as you are able to control the blaze. Look for rocks to form a barrier to keep embers inside of. If you are in an area without suitable rocks, dig a pit or trench. If 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.
Have a way or plan to extinguish the flames when you are done or if things get out of hand. A water restricted area may require you to use earth rocks or sand to put out the fire. Have this ready before you lite the fire. This needs to be done before in case the fire jumps the barrier you have already built and you need to put it out fast. Do not at any point become the person who started the 500 acre wildfire during the end of the summer when rain is sparse. That is a terrible thing to do for one and for another will land you in jail. Simply avoid this and be prepared.
Fires For Cooking
Layered (log cabin)- as the nam suggests, this style of campfire is structured with layers of fuel to keep the flames a little lower. The layered fire can be ideal for cooking over as coals will concentrate and evenly be distributed, thanks to the organized set up. A 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.
Parallel- this sort of fire is made with two or more larger size logs placed alongside one another with kindling in between. If 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.
Fires For Keeping Warm
Teepee- this fire is constructed by placing logs vertically and leaning them against each other. As one log holds another up, kindling is placed inside the teepee that is created and ignited. The kindling will then burn the logs standing above it and direct heat in an upward direction. The teepee fire can be a great cooking fire but is also very good for keeping warm quickly.
Fires For Efficient Fuel Use
Star- this type of fire is known for being used in the Western United States (undoubtedly it is used in other locations as well). The star fire is made by taking 5 to 6 logs and placing them in a star pattern if you are looking from overhead. After they are lit, the builder will push them into the flames slowly overtime to maintain the burn and keep it going. A star fire is an efficient use of wood and can be maintained with minimal effort for extended periods of time.
Swedish Torch- a swedish torch is a very innovative and interesting type of fire. This will require use of a tool such as a saw or axe. First you need to cut two times into one end of the log without going all the way through. Ideally the cuts should be about 75% through on one end, leaving the other intact. After the cutting, stuff kindling inside the cuts and light from the top. If you only have an axe then quarter the log, band the pieces together and stuff kindling between them. As the above fire burns, small coals will fall to light the inside. A fire of this type will burn for a very long time without almost any care needed. The flat top is also very good for cooking on top of.
This Isn’t Even Close To All Types Of Campfires
Different areas of the world require different types of fires. This list is by no means exhaustive or inclusive of all campfire forms. It is important to decide what your requirements are of the fire and then choose a design. Doing so will usually make the required task easier and also make efficient use of the fuel you have available. Some areas are more fuel rich environments than others but why waste what others may need after you?
