There are several different types of fire, some are good for keeping you warm, others are better for cooking, however, they all follow the same design principals.  You always start with the smallest material first, and then build to the larger fuel.

Firestarter

It is good to have a firestarter at the base o f your fire.  This can be anything from balled newspaper to a commercial firestarter found in your local camping store.

Tinder

Tinder is the next smallest material.  This would be small, very dry sticks.  Since evergreens are self pruning trees, their lower branches are often very dead and easy to break off and do not hurt the tree.

Place your tinder in a small pile in the middle of the fireplace over your fire starter. Distribute the kindling neatly over the firestarter being sure to leave enough space for air to circulate.

Fuzz Stick

Sometimes there are not enough small twigs and sticks around to start a fire with. You can always make a 'fuzz stick' which, because of their curls of wood, catch fire more easily than a solid stick.  Something for whittling away those spare moments of 'nothing to do'.

Kindling

Kindling is the next size of wood.  These are usually pieces that are the diameter of fingers and about 6” to 12” long Build the kindling around your tinder,making sure that you do not pack it too tight,as the fire will need oxygen to burn well. Stack loose enough to allow air flow but close so it catches fire.  Some people use a tepee form while others will build a “log cabin” shape.  The neater you place your kindling the better the fire will light.

Now light your firestarter (did you remember to leave a space to reach your match to the firestarter?)  Once lit, you may need to blow or fan the flame gently to encourage it to light.

Always make sure that you have plenty of kindling available, so that you can add more as the fire becomes established. Once the kindling starts to burn, gradually add more until it is burning nicely.

Fuel

Fuel is the largest wood for your fire. Fuel may range is size from arm size pieces to major logs.  Just remember to add smaller fuel first and always leave room for air. Gradually add the fuel into the shape that you want. A tepee shape is great for a bonfire whereas building a “log cabin” shape is great for building a bed of coals for cooking. Don't rush this stage and make sure that the wood you are adding is less than twice the size of that which is already burning. Larger sticks & logs should be added as the fire is going well

Never throw wood onto a fire, always place it carefully Remember do not try to compact your base materials because you must leave them loose to allow for proper air passage. Any fire requires oxygen and by leaving materials loose this allows for oxygen to pass through the materials and ensure a good fire.

Once it's going good add more firewood, 2-3 pieces at a time going up in size and towards hardwood such as oak, ash and maple if you have it. They will burn longer. Aspen, birch and poplar are quite common and they make good fires as they burn hot  but fairly fast. Before you know it you will have a campfire. Once a coal bed has been built add the logs in a crisscross pattern and they will catch and burn nicely.

This is all fine and good if you have primo wood to work with.

Unfortunately if you're are relying on buying your wood at the campground store you may very well end up with fairly green (wet, fresh cut) softwood. The softwood part is OK, you'll just go through more. But what do you do about the green part?Start by taking your camp axe and shaving a piece or two to get a mound of chips or shavings. Then split a piece or two into small sticks. You can substitute local twigs and sticks if they are around. Kid's love rounding up that stuff. Finally split a few pieces into a 1 inch size range.
You may find that there are often folks selling firewood near campgrounds. Sometimes they have great dry wood all split and ready for a reasonable price, keep your eyes open when you're near your destination.

 Using of fluids to start a fire:

The use of gasoline or kerosene can be like poking a Bull Moose in the nose with a sharp stick. It is just not smart and could be deadly.

• Gasoline should NEVER be used under any circumstances.
• Kerosene on the other hand has been used to start fires without any problems. But, extreme care must be used.
• Do not use this method if there are flames or hot coals.
• You may get the same effect as if you tossed a lit match into a keg of gunpowder.
• You may be tempted to use charcoal fluid to start fire in desperation but even that can flare up if hot coals or flames exist.
• Make it a habit never to use fluids to start your fires.
• Be safe and learn how to build fires using firestarters and wood.

Tags: Camping, camping basics