How to Build a Fire While Camping

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How to Build a Fire

So how do you build a fire? If you're going to be going on a camping trip anytime soon, one thing you'll need to know. There are a number of different methods and types of fires, however. It's impossible to know how to build a camp fire and master all of them at once. What's going to determine which fire technique you need to use is the situation you'll find yourself in.

Teepee Fire

This fire looks like a teepee. The tinder and some kindling are arranged in the shape of a conical, or teepee shape. The tinder is placed underneath the kindling, so it'll burn up. As the teepee burns, the logs on the outside fall in, and the fire keeps going. They also support one another, so no log will put out the fire. This kind of fire is relatively easy to build, and will burn even relatively wet wood.

Lean-to Fire

First, push a green stick into the ground at an angle of about thirty degrees, pointing its end in the direct that the wind is blowing. Place some tinder under this stick, then lean pieces of kindling against the stick. Light the tinder, and allow the kindling to catch fire. More kindling can be added once this fire is burning properly.

Cross Ditch Fire

This method requires scratching a cross about a foot long in the ground. It should be relatively deep - about three inches. Place a large quantity of tinder in the middle of the cross and build a pyramid of kindling over it. The ditch lets air sweep under this tinder, creating a draft and allowing the fire to burn more effectively.

Pyramid Fire

Place two small branches or logs parallel to one another on the ground. Now, place a solid layer of wood across these parallel pieces. Add another, smaller layer at a right angle to the layer beneath, and repeat until you've made a rough pyramid. Start a small fire on top of the pyramid. This is how to build a fire that will burn downward instead of upward, and requires no nightly maintenance.

There are plenty of other fire building methods out there, too. However, these are a few ways to learn how to build a fire that are relatively simple and effective in many different situations. One of them will probably work for you on your camping trip. Just make sure to practice before you really need it!

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