How to Make a Log Fire
Making a log fire is a fairly simple process involving a flame, small kindling and wooden logs. Ideally, the logs will be hardwood and well-seasoned or dried. Wood fires are used for a variety of purposes--including home heating, camping, survival, and general enjoyment.
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Instructions
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Gather a variety of different sized sticks, twigs and wood. Sort the wood into sized piles which are readily accessible once the fire begins to burn. Make sure there is plenty of small kindling material available.
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Create a small pile of combustible material such as wood shavings, dryer lint, paper, or small twigs. Make sure the area is fairly dry and that all leaves and other ground debris are removed.
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Make a tee pee with slightly larger twigs and sticks over the combustible pile. Leave an opening large enough to insert a match or fire starter without disturbing the stacked kindling. The goal is to provide a ready source of fuel for the small flame. This design will also allow oxygen to flow through to the flame. Light the fire using a lighter or spark source.
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Add progressively larger sticks, building the heat of the fire to a point where it will support a larger log. Place logs on the fire allowing for plenty of air to reach the center of the fire itself. Begin with split logs if possible, which burn more readily than logs covered with bark.
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Logs may continue to be added as long as the heat of the fire will support them. As fire burns the center of the logs, push the unburned ends into the center of the fire to efficiently use all of the wood.
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Tips & Warnings
Select wood which is seasoned or dry. Try to avoid wood which has recently been cut. Remember that wood such as pine contains large amounts of pitch and tar which will cause popping as the wood is burned. Pine will also create large amounts of creosote as it burns, so avoid using in fireplaces with chimneys.
Anytime fire is present, use caution to avoid burns to the skin. Also take care to keep sleeves and other parts of clothing away from fire to avoid accidental ignition.
