Generally, though, you should extinguish your fire by pouring water on it (be careful not to stand where the steam can scald you), stirring the ashes, then applying more water. Shop REI’s selection of fire-starting gear.Īlways check with local land managers for their recommendations, and follow their steps if they provide them. Ideally, you should reduce them to white ash. Fire-making materials are considered one of the Ten Essentials.)Īfter lighting the tinder, blow lightly at the base of the fire to provide oxygen, which will help increase the intensity of the flame and further ignite the wood.Īs the fire burns, move embers to the center to burn them completely. (Be sure to carry waterproof matches and firestarter. Using fire starter that is designed to easily ignite can help the tinder catch the flame. Light the tinder with a match or lighter. Continue alternating a few more layers in this manner, getting smaller as you go. Turn 90 degrees and then add a second layer of slightly smaller logs on top. Upside down (pyramid): Start with three or four of your largest logs side-by-side on the bottom layer. Remember to leave space between logs so the fire can get plenty of oxygen. Finish with a layer of kindling and tinder across the top. Continue adding a few more layers of firewood around the perimeter, getting a little bit smaller with each layer. Place plenty of tinder inside the square. Then, turn 90 degrees and place two slightly smaller pieces on top and perpendicular to form a square. Log cabin: Place two larger pieces of firewood parallel to each other and with some room in between to form the base of your structure. Once the fire is going strong and the temperature increases, you can add larger logs a few at a time as needed. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles when gathering wood.Ĭone: Start with a small cone of kindling around a few handfuls of tinder that are loosely piled in the center of the fire ring. This is because thick chunks of wood are rarely allowed to burn completely and are typically left behind as blackened, unsightly scraps. Birds and wildlife make use of dead branches and snags.ĭo not gather or burn pieces thicker than an adult's wrist. Never cut live trees or break off branches from standing trees, even dead trees. Why? To avoid introducing troublesome insects into a forest.Ĭall the campground or a local ranger office in advance for information and advice.īackcountry: If you forage for firewood, gather only downed wood far from your site. Campgrounds may even ban bring-your-own firewood regardless of the distance you travel. Nearby stores often carry firewood, and sometimes campground hosts offer bundles of firewood or kindling for sale.ĭo not bring wood with you if you’re traveling from more than 50 miles away. Firewood is any larger piece of wood and is what will keep your fire going long into the night.Ĭampgrounds: Use only local firewood.Kindling consists of small sticks, typically less than one inch around.Tinder includes small twigs, dry leaves, needles or forest duff.To burn a successful fire, you’ll need three types fuel: tinder, kindling and firewood. You can easily disperse the mound when you're finished. Ideally, build this platform on a flat rock. Using your sanitation trowel, build a circular, flat platform of mineral soil (sandy, light-colored, nonfertile dirt) about 6-8 inches high. Intense heat can sterlize healthy soil, so choose your site conscientiously.Īn alternative to a fire ring is a mound fire. Ideally, the base of your fire should be sand or gravel or mineral soil (often found in streambeds or on gravel bars). If one already exists, clean it out before you depart.Ĭlear away all flammable material from your fire pit. Build a new one only in emergency situations and, if the situation permits, dismantle it when you are done. In dry conditions, fly-away embers could easily ignite a wildfire.īackcountry: In backcountry areas where fires are permitted, use an existing fire ring if one has been left behind. If the site is brushy or has low-hanging branches, keep your fire small or skip it altogether. A campfire permit may be required.Įvaluate the site before starting a fire. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc.). If you’re car camping in an undeveloped site, check in advance with the agency that administers the land (U.S. In some areas, severe dry periods can cause campfires to be prohibited even in campgrounds. Using a fire ring will lessen your impact and keep your fire contained.Īlways check with the campground operator to make sure fires are permitted. Most developed campgrounds have some version of these. Campgrounds: Build fires only in designated fire rings, grills or fireplaces.
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