Marlatt Outdoors

How to Build a Campfire:

Fire Building Techniques

1. Teepee Fire

• Gather small, dry twigs and arrange them in a cone shape, leaving a small opening at the top.
• Place tinder (such as dry leaves or paper) in the center of the teepee.
• Gradually add larger sticks and logs around the teepee structure.
• Light the tinder from the bottom, allowing the fire to catch the surrounding wood.

2. Upside-Down (Pyramid) Fire

• Start with a base layer of large logs parallel to each other.
• Add a second layer perpendicular to the base logs.
• Continue stacking smaller logs in alternating directions, creating a pyramid shape.
• Place tinder and kindling on top of the pyramid and ignite it.

3. Star Fire

• Lay five or six logs in a star pattern, with their ends meeting at the center.
• Place tinder and kindling in the middle.
• Light the center, and the fire will spread outward along the logs.

4. Lean-To Fire

• Find a sturdy, upright log or rock.
• Lean smaller logs against it, creating a triangular shelter.
• Place tinder and kindling under the lean-to structure.
• Light the tinder, and the fire will burn against the support log.

5. Log Cabin Fire

• Lay two large logs parallel to each other.
• Stack two more logs perpendicular to the base logs, creating a square.
• Add smaller logs in the same pattern, alternating directions.
• Place tinder and kindling inside the square and ignite.

What Wood is Best for Building a Campfire?

• Tinder: Use small twigs, dry leaves, or forest duff.
• Kindling: Gather small sticks (less than one inch in diameter).
• Firewood: Larger pieces of wood that sustain the fire.

Backcountry or Campsite Sourced Wood?

• Campgrounds: Use local firewood. Avoid bringing wood from more than 50 miles away to prevent introducing harmful insects.
• Backcountry: Forage for downed wood away from your campsite.

Campfire Safety Tips

1. Find or Build a Fire Ring:
   • Campgrounds: Use designated fire rings, grills, or fireplaces.
   • Backcountry: Use existing fire rings or create a mound fire (a circular platform of mineral soil).
2. Clear the Area:
   • Remove flammable material from your fire pit.
   • Choose a base of sand, gravel, or mineral soil.
3. Gather Firewood:
   • Collect tinder, kindling, and firewood.
   • Use local firewood to prevent the spread of pests.
4. Light the Campfire Safely:
   • Ignite tinder and gradually add larger wood.
   • Babysit the fire and never leave it unattended.
5. Extinguish the Campfire:
   • Pour water over the fire until it’s completely out.
   • Disperse the ashes and cool embers.

Remember these campfire rules:

1. Practice Leave No Trace: Minimize your impact on the environment.
2. Use Existing Fire Pits: Avoid creating new fire rings.
3. Have Permission to Burn: Check regulations and permits.
4. Never Leave a Fire Unattended.

Now go enjoy the magic of a crackling campfire under the starry night sky! 🌟🔥