How do you build a good fire?

Answer 1

The secret to building a good camp fire lies in preparation and planning.

First, plan the purpose of your fire: cooking, heating or socializing. How long should it last? How fast do you need flames or coals? How big can it be, or how small does it have to be? Often these things should be apparent, but it's amazing how often those building a fire do not seem to consider the end objective or purpose before they commence building.

Second, be knowledgeable about various types of fires that can be built and how the burning cycle works. This is a combination of book learning and experience. Once you know what you want, gather only materials that fulfill the criteria for just such a fire. If you have to compromise here, which is often the case, consider the effects of such modification and take steps to minimize them as much as possible.

Third, arrange your materials according to knowledge and plan. Make a tender nest or starter area that is sheltered and will cause the fire to grow in the right direction. Use small, dry, easy-to-burn materials in the nest and work gradually to larger sticks and logs. Damp or green materials should be avoided; they are things that smoke or melt rather than burn.

If you did it all right and you're a good Boy Scout, you can do it all with one little match, a paper one at that, or even with flint and steel or a couple of sticks to create the first spark. It will rise to the occasion, fulfill its intended purpose, burn everything completely to ashes with only an occasional stir and not spread or cause a problem in the surrounding area. Details of a good fire are too long to be included here.