[title size=”2″]How to Build a Campfire[/title]

There are several techniques—including the log cabin and the tepee—that expert campers suggest for building the perfect campfire. A combination of these techniques is perhaps the best way to go for the amateur outdoorsman or woman, which is outlined below. Before ever starting a campfire, make sure that they are permitted in the area you are camping and that the posted fire danger level is low. It also helps if there is wood readily available around your campsite. Follow these easy steps to build your campfire:

  1. build-a-campfireSelect a site: If there’s no provided fire pit, select a flat area and remove all flammable objects within 8 feet of the fire site.
  2. Gather supplies: Collect the needed materials for the fire from around your campsite. You need dry wood in easily manageable pieces, as well as dry needles, paper or wood shavings for tinder, and pencil-sized sticks for kindling.
  3. Set-up the fuel: Before building the structure, you need to provide the fuel base that will feed the fire. To do this, place the tinder in a small pile in the center, stacking the kindling around it. Make sure to leave gaps for air between the pieces of tinder and kindling.
  4. Ignite and add wood: Use matches or a lighter to ignite the tinder at the bottom of the kindling pile, which will create a chimney effect as the fire spreads. If it is windy, protect the flames from the wind while blowing gently to fan the fire. Once the kindling is ignited, begin to place larger wood pieces on the fire, either in a tepee or log-cabin shape to allow for needed airflow.
  5. Extinguish the fire: Make sure your campfire is thoroughly extinguished with water before leaving the area. After the embers cease smoldering, gather the ashes and scatter them on the ground, leaving no trace of the fire behind.
  6. Safety concerns: Make sure to build your fire downwind from your tent or any other flammable structures or items in your camp. Make sure all flammable items are out of the range of flying embers. Keep an eye on small children and pets and do not allow them to get too close to the fire.

Enjoy the warmth and ambience of your campfire!