In a wilderness survival situation, making the proper choice when it comes to fire type could be crucial. There are many oft-proven methods to building a fire, but deciding which is best depends on the terrain, what's available on hand, and how you intend to use the fire. A teepee fire is perfect both for keeping warm and cooking. Here's how it's done.
Select an area for your fire that is a safe distance from other flammables, including dry leaves, trees, sticks and logs. If necessary, create a fire pit using stones.
2
Find a long, thick stick, preferably one that is forked on one end. Gather 8 to 10 similarly long, thick sticks.
3
Jab the forked stick into the ground, with the fork side up, at a 60-degree angle. Place the other long, thick sticks similarly, so that their bases form a circle and their tops rest in the fork of the first stick, or at least firmly against it--this is your teepee. Make sure that the side of the teepee facing the wind remains somewhat open (about 10 to 12 inches)--this is your teepee's "door."
4
Set a pile of tinder--very dry grass, wood chips, twigs, sticks--inside your teepee, using the wind-side opening to do so. Over the pile arrange larger, thicker sticks.
5
Use a match to light the tinder, which in turn will light your fire.
Tips & Warnings
If you build your teepee fire right, your back will be against the wind as you are lighting it.
If it's a windy day, you may go through several matches before you get the fire going.
Make sure your fire has been properly put out--completely, using water and sand if necessary--before leaving the area.
Make sure that all of your tinder is dry, dry, dry--otherwise you'll be cooking or warming your hands in thick smoke!
Teepees are conical-shaped dwellings that are most associated with the American Indians, particularly tribes that lived in the Great Plains, though other...
