How to Build a Campfire Ring
There are very few experiences that are any more nostalgic and wistful than sitting around a campfire with friends, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. But like your mother always told you, playing with fire is dangerous. If you are going to build a campfire, make sure you follow all of the campground’s rules including constructing a proper campfire ring. Read on to learn how to build a campfire ring.
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Things You'll Need
- Entrenching tool or small shovel
- 20 to 30 fist-sized stones
- Two fire buckets filled with water or sand
Instructions
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1
Select a suitable site for a fire. Ensure the site is at least 8 inches away from flammable objects such as trees, shrubs and tents. Ensure there are no low hanging branches that might catch fire.
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2
Mark off a circular area no more than 2 inches across by pushing the entrenching tool 1 to 2 inches through the turf. Scalp the sod from the area with the entrenching tool. Set the sod aside.
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3
Dig a fire pit in the scalped area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Set the dirt aside. Keep the bottom of the fire pit level and the walls vertical. Remove any dry grass or twigs from the perimeter of the fire pit.
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4
Place the stones on top of the turf, side by side around the perimeter of the fire pit and as close to the edge as possible. Fill any spaces between the stones with dirt. Ensure the wood or charcoal used for fuel does not extend higher than the top edge of the stones.
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Tips & Warnings
Leave the campsite in the same condition you found it. Scatter the stones from the campfire ring, refill the fire pit with the dirt from the fire pit and replace the sod that was set aside.
Always have two fire buckets filled with water or sand in the event the fire spreads beyond the fire pit.
Always extinguish the fire prior to going to sleep. Douse the fire with water, stir the embers, douse it again then cover it with dirt.
Always follow all of the campsite’s fire safety rules.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Never build a fire outside of a properly constructed fire ring.
Never build a fire larger than you need.
