How to Build A Campfire

A survivalist worth his salt should know how to build a campfire from scratch. It’s a basic skill that every prepper must possess. This article will guide you about everything you need to know about building campfires.

RELATED: Campfire Infographic | How To Build The Perfect Campfire

Building A Campfire is Easy As 1-2-3

Get Everything Ready

First off, find out if a permit is required in your area before starting a campfire. Check with the vicinity’s person-in-charge regarding this. You could talk to a United States Forest Representative if you are camping on the state-owned property or an operator if it’s commercial.

Once the requirements are secured, it is time to check factors like weather and the condition of the area. Humidity and windiness are just some of the aspects you should put into consideration. By doing this, you can prepare suitable fire-building materials as well as ensure the safety of the camp.

Preparing the Campfire Site

Commercial camping grounds are ideal for those who want to know how to build a campfire. More often than not, there are already existing fire rings or pit left by campers who have been there first. But if you are camping in non-commercial areas, you will have to start your campfire from scratch.

The first thing that you need to know is to start your campfire on relatively level ground. Secondly, it is a standard procedure that you build your fire at least 20 feet away from your tent or any combustible structures. However, your site must have protection from sudden gusts of wind. This is for safety measures against flying sparks and embers that may cause a fire.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Start A Campfire

Step 1: Building the Fire Pit

Make sure that the whole perimeter of the campfire site is free of any combustible materials. Shrubs and grasses are excellent fire fodders. Clear of the heavy foliage.

Once you are done getting rid of potential fire hazards, it’s time to dig the pit. Dig a three-foot-wide, one-foot deep pit then surround the perimeter with rocks. A shovel and a bucket of water should also be just within reach.

Step 2: Gathering the Firewood

Without wood, there is no campfire. Gathering firewood is a skill. You should learn how to identify a good one from the bad. An easy and effective way to do this is by applying the snap test.

This test is done by breaking a stick in half. If the stick creates a nice snapping sound then you know it’s good firewood. Simple as that.

Step 3: Preparing the Tinder and Kindling

Explained in simple terms, kindling is used to make larger wood catch fire. Tinder, on the other hand, are small combustible materials that help kindling burn quicker. Small dry sticks are good kindling materials while dried leaves, barks, and moss can be used as tinder.

It is good practice that you gather a sufficient amount of tinder for long-term use. This will ensure that you have enough dry tinder to build fire, particularly during unfavorable weather conditions.

Step 4: Arranging the Firewood

Making firewood combustible is no rocket science but not everyone knows how to do it the right way. Fire is basically a combination of heat, fuel, and oxygen. The rule is, the fire should be able to breathe.

Avoid stacking the wood in tight bundles. Instead, make sure that there are gaps in between. This will ensure that air passes through providing enough oxygen to ignite a good fire.

RELATED: How To Properly Build A Fire: A Step By Step Guide With Safety Tips

Step 5: Starting the Fire

This step is a no-brainer if you have a lighter or a match with you all the time. In the absence of these fancy tools, a Firestarter is a good alternative. You just strike the flint to create a spark and you’re good to go.

Worst comes to worst though, when all of the above are not available, you will have to do it the old school… well, actually, the prehistoric way. There is a lot of YouTube videos that teach you how to build a campfire from scratch. But the main idea is to create heat and friction.

Step 6: Maintaining the Fire

Building a fire is one thing but keeping it burning is another. The worse thing that could happen is your fire burning down without enough wood to rekindle it. The trick here is to keep your fire small.

Keeping your fire small makes you control the burning process easier. This will make the supply of firewood lasts longer. Check on your fire from time to time and add more wood if necessary.

Campfire Safety Tips

• Never build a campfire when it is windy.
• Using flammable liquids like lighter fluid or kerosene is a no-no.
• Again, make sure that flammable materials are at a safe distance.
• Never dump trash such as plastic and tin cans onto the fire.
• Extinguish fire using water instead of sand to eliminate embers.

Source