Camp Fires

Starting a Campfire

Before lighting outdoors.

Campgrounds usually provide a camping ring or fire pit. Do not attempt to move this. Make sure you clear any debris away from pit and you'll be starting the fire on solid ground. If you don't have a fire ring, you can make a ring of stones to surround your fire, which will insulate it and retain heat, keeping you warmer if you sleep outside.

Starting the fire: Build a small figured shaped pyramid using dry sticks & twigs. Ignite with a match, fire starter or flint & steel. Keep feeding the fire with small dry twigs. Once the fire has caught and the temperature increases you can add larger pieces of fire wood.

Gathering Wood: Limit yourself where you walk, do not walk on other people's site. It's best to bring your own or buy a bundle at the camp store.

What to burn: It's not recommended to burn any sort of food scraps or fat, that could leave food smells in the air that might attract small critters. Burn dry wood and twigs.

Breaking down the campfire: Never leave a campfire unattended. Pour water to extinguish all flames and make sure the ashes are cooled.

(Note: It's your responsibility to maintain a campfire, that means putting it out in the end.)

Tips on Campfires:

Pack charcoal in paper egg cartons and tie shut. When ready to use, just light the carton.
Another fire starter--Take 100% cotton balls and thoroughly rub Vaseline into them. Keep in a zip lock bag.
A good fire starter--cut a cotton cord into 1" lengths and soak in melted wax. Let dry and store in empty film container or zip lock
bag.
Collect the lint from your clothes dryer. Make balls of the lint, and carry them in film containers. They make great fire starters even at home in your woodstove.

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