How To Start A Campfire

Here are some great tips on how to start a campfire.

First of all, if you are planning to have a campfire, you need to know if fires are being permitted in your area. Be aware of any fire bans that may be in effect.

If established fire pits and cut wood are available, use them. If you are camping or hiking where none are available, you need to select a safe spot. Find an area where there is sufficient firewood available. This means dead and non standing wood.

Set up a fire ring with rocks on a flat and clean area away from your tent, RV, trees or anything else that could be flammable. Don’t use rocks from a stream or lake because the moisture in them can cause them to explode when heated. If you are sleeping under the stars in a sleeping bag and need a fire for added warmth, be sure to sleep a safe distance from the flames.

When starting your fire, first collect the materials you will need. The basic idea of starting any campfire is to start with small pieces of wood or kindling, and then gradually add larger and larger pieces in order to grow the fire. Don't let your fire get too big. Dry wood and kindling work best.

You can use fire starter cubes, newspaper rolled up into balls or small twigs and/or wood shavings to start your fire with. Never use flammables such as kerosene or gas. As mentioned, add larger twigs, then sticks, and finally your small and larger pieces of wood. You can blow on a small fire to help it along with some added oxygen.

Remember to always arrange your wood in a fashion that allows the air to penetrate the wood. A tepee works well. Fire needs oxygen to burn and will go out without sufficient amounts of it.

Whether your just learning how to start a campfire or have started one many times before, remember to never leave your fire unattended; and when you're finished with it, always be sure to put it out. You can do this with water and dirt. Are you sure it’s out? Would you put your hand into the fire pit to be certain? If you’re not certain, you should be. Put more water or dirt on it to be sure before leaving your campsite.

Happy Trails.

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