How To Build A Camp Fire

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Camp fire using the teepee technique.

To make a good camp fire, you will need to start with 3 types of materials. First is tinder: these pieces are made up of small twigs, leaves and dried pine needles you can find on the ground. Second, you will need kindling materials: these are made up of small tree branches that are 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Lastly, you will need what is called fuel: this term refers to large pieces of wood, like big branches and thick logs. Fuel should be stacked upwind and away from the fire.

Once you have collected your wood, and of course have water on hand in case of a fire emergency, you are ready to build your fire. While there are many techniques for building a camp fire, a classic model is the teepee technique. You will want to take some of your tinder and start a small pile in the center of your fire pit. Then drive a long piece of kindling into the ground in the center of the fire pit. Then, to build the teepee, lean other long  kindling sticks against your center support pole. Do this until you have a structure that fairly represents a teepee, but try not to over load the center kindling pole.

Once you have your structure build, whether you have chosen the teepee technique or other trusted method, you will need to ignite the tinder within your structure with matches or a lighter. As the fire grows, continue to add more tinder. To help the tinder ignite, you may need to blow lightly at the base of your kindling structure.

Once your fire is strong and catching your kindling on its own, it is now time to add your fuel. Carefully add your larger wood pieces to your fire, while avoiding breaking your original structure. Once your fuel pieces start to burn, you have successfully build your campfire! Make sure to keep it to small, safe size and never add too much fuel.

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