Building a camp fire
How do you build a camp fire? Keep reading to find out.

Before you start
A campfire is an essential camping skill which not only improves the overall camping experience but in more extreme circumstances could save your life.

Before you even strike the first match you must have all the materials to hand as well as having chosen a suitable spot. Try to find a spot which offers a bit of protection from both wind and rain.

The materials you need to start a fire are:
  • Matches (at least one) or other ignition source
  • Fine kindling
  • Medium sized sticks
  • Large Logs

The key to starting a fire is to make sure your chosen kindling is very dry. If you have a bit of newspaper it will be even easier.

If it has been or is raining then you can still find small bits of dry wood in thick undergrowth and hedges. The best woods for burning are things like ash and most fruit woods.

Building the fire
If applicable, remove the turf from the area you plan to build your fire; something like 1 metre square. Most of the campfire depends on the way you stack the fire.

To build the camp fire:
  1. Make a small wig-wam with the kindling in the centre, around the newspaper if you have any.
  2. Keep building up the shape using progressively larger sticks. Aim to leave a gap on the side facing the wind for lighting later.
  3. Last, put 3 or 4 logs on the outside of the wig-wam taking care not to collapse the whole stack.
  4. Your fire is now ready for lighting.

Lighting and maintaining
Holding the match at a downward angle (not vertical), straight away start lighting the newspaper or kindling in the space you left. Gently blow to fan the flames and add more kindling.
The larger sticks should start to catch fire and after a while the larger logs. Once the fire is established, add extra logs and sticks as required. You no longer need to maintain the wig-wam shape.
If you have any damp logs, these can be stacked close to the fire to dry them out.
Before you leave the campsite, make sure the fire is fully out (use water if necessary) and replace the turf.