How to Build a Campfire in 4 Easy Steps
Campfires are a fun way to cook food, stay warm and socialize around. Here are four easy steps to understanding how to build a campfire.
Step 1 - Select the location of your campfire. Finding a location suitable for your campfire is the first essential step in knowing how to build a campfire. Official campsite areas are often marked, but in the wilderness you will need to determine where to build the fire on your own. If choosing the location on your own, find somewhere that is naturally protected from the wind and away from trees and bushes. Also, you can avoid ruining the environment by keeping the fire away from large rocks and boulders found at the campsite.
Step 2 - Gather firewood for the fire. You can usually find the firewood from the local area of the campsite, however be aware of any legal restrictions against tampering with the environment. If gathering the wood from the natural surrounding is allowed, then gather the branches that have fallen and do not take any wood from the trees. Bring wood to the campsite just in case there is little to be found when you arrive. This will make it easier for you when first learning how to build a campfire.
Step 3 - Build your fire. Air, heat and fuel are key for elements of how to build a campfire. A fire also needs tinder, kindling and firewood. Tinder is twigs, dry leaves, paper or pine needles. Kindling is the small dry sticks. The large pieces of firewood are mainly used to fuel the fire. Initially, firewood should be small, and then as the fire grows you will want to use larger pieces. Start by placing the gathered tinder in the centre of the fire ring bound together. Layer the kindling around the tinder in a tepee shape. Make sure you allow room for air circulation so that the fire can burn. Leave an empty place at the bottom so that you can light the tinder with a match. Continue to add layers of wood to the fire after the fire has been lit. Once it is burning, add the large pieces of wood in an organized manner to increase the fire.
Step 4 - Extinguishing the fire. Always make sure you put out your fire before sleeping. Once the coals have weakened, pour water over them and put some handfuls of earth over them to ensure the fire has been completely put out. This is very important to prevent wild fires.
Safety tips
- Never leave your fire unattended.
- Don't allow children to come too close to the fire.
- Be aware of the local safety fire bans.
