How to Build a Campfire in Five Easy Steps

Nothing says summer time like camping, and if there is a beach nearby it just gets even better. Here is a surefire way to get a campfire party going in just a few steps. Never spend hours when you can use some simple principles to ensure a nice bright hot blaze. Make sure there is plenty of wood if the party is going to last awhile. Oh, and don't forget the marshmallows on a stick!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plenty of dry seasoned firewood
• Matches, or flint & steel
• Kinding (Non-coated Newspaper, or small very dry twigs & brush)
• A shovel in case there is a need to dig a small pit

1. First find a nice open location away from trees, brush, and other easily ignited objects. When that has been located find some rocks that can be placed around the fire pit. They will serve as a boundary so that no one gets too close. Also, they will soak up the heat, and make the area a little warmer.

2. Place a two logs on the bottom, and two on top of them perpendicular to the other two that were just placed. Leave space in the middle like a little room so that the kindling can be placed inside in the next step.

3. After that is done, place at least three other pieces of wood standing up to make a point at the top by leaning them against each other. This gives the fire something to consume as it licks upward.

4. Place the kindling on the inside of the little space that remains between the pieces of wood, don't pack it too tightly or it will not ignite properly.

5. When that has been done place a lit match, or strike the flint & steel into the middle of the kindling. Enjoy the blaze, and don't forget to add wood to keep it going!

Tips & Warnings

• Use slow burning matches or light kindling on fire if putting hands into the pit is not practical.
• Cooking, or roasting over an open wood flame adds great flavor to food.
• The fire pit should ideally be lower than ground level so use the shovel to dig it out a little bit, doing so will help keep the fire where it should be, and that's inside the ring of rocks, not blowing all over the place.
• Once it is burning well, there is no special location besides the center that the wood should be placed to prolong the enjoyment.
• Beware of smoke inhalation, stay upwind of the fire!

Resources

• Garden Guru's FaceBook Fan Page

[soanyway]

on 6/22/2009 Great tips! Nothing beats the smell and relaxation of a camp fire! Oh! well...maybe smore's!!