How to build a campfire properly – legally and efficiently
Spring is here, and for many people that means heading out into the great outdoors! Just as important as taking a first-aid course is brushing up on how to build a campfire – because without food and drink, even a hero is no good!
Safety and campfire restrictions
The first, and perhaps most important, thing to remember is exactly when and where you can light a campfire without risking a forest fire. The general rule is that you may only light a campfire in forests and uncultivated areas between April 15 and September 15 without permission from the municipality.
There are a few exceptions – if you use approved campfire sites, you can grill as much as you like all year round. The same applies if you are by the water, at the beach for example, as long as you are not near forests or other dry areas. If you are unsure, always play it safe! Check with your municipality to find out which rules apply.
Whatever you do, don't use lighter fluid when lighting the fire! You can easily get burned. Be sure to light the kindling with matches or a lighter.
Efficient Fire Building
Now that you know you're in a safe place, it's time to build the fire as efficiently as possible so you get good, steady heat.
It's not just about grabbing the first thing you find and crossing your fingers—this takes a little planning! It's important to know what you'll be using the fire for. Are you making breakfast first thing in the morning, or are light and warmth the top priorities?
See our selection of fire and outdoor equipment here
Star Fire
An efficient way to boil water is by using a star fire. It doesn't produce as much heat as a pagoda fire, but it's perfect for a cup of coffee! Place approximately 6 large, solid logs in a star formation.Between the logs, build a pyramid fire made of thick sticks leaning against each other like a pyramid.
Fill the bottom of the fire with wood shavings, dry twigs, and birch bark. Birch bark is the outer, white layer of the birch tree’s bark, and it’s highly effective for starting fires because it’s waterproof.
Now all you have to do is light it from the bottom and push the logs inward as they burn down!
Pagoda fire
If you’re more interested in the coziness and warmth a fire can provide, a pagoda fire is perfect for you. It requires a little more firewood, but in return, it burns longer if you build it tightly and efficiently.
How many layers you build depends entirely on how long you want it to burn—the higher it is, the longer it burns. It’s common to build it with 4 or 5 layers.
Start by building a small pyramid fire. As you may remember, use birch bark, wood shavings, and dry twigs as kindling.
Around the pyramid fire, place four sturdy logs of the same size— as fresh as possible. On top, place two logs at the very edges. It’s important to leave plenty of space between them so there’s room for the pyramid fire. Continue with a few more layers—as large as you want, narrowing it slightly toward the top. This gives the fire enough oxygen to burn for a while.
Hunter’s Fire
If you’re the rugged type, a hunter’s fire can be practical and convenient for cooking. Here, you can choose whichever approach you prefer. One way to do it is to find three large, sturdy stones with enough room to place a pot on top. Build a small pyramid fire between these stones.
You can also do this by finding three large, stable logs. These logs should stand upright around the pyramid fire. When the flames begin to die down, add more twigs and bark to the pyramid fire.This applies to all types of fires! If you don’t keep the fire going, it will eventually go out on its own.
Safety when extinguishing the fire
Now you’re finished with the fire and ready to continue on your journey. But the work isn’t over! It’s critical to remember to put the fire out properly. Even if it may look burned out, it’s easy for embers to flare up again in the wind.
So always make sure you have plenty of water with you to pour over the fire when you leave. You can also use sand or snow—but chances are you’ll have a few water bottles with you. When you can touch the fire without feeling any heat, it’s safe to leave the site.
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