Comments on: Three Essential Campfires: Snack Fire, Cooking Fire, and Comfort Fire

By: Nik

Nik — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:48:29 +0000

@Ryan

1. While it is nice that you are an Eagle Scout, it does not make you a subject matter expert on building efficient fires. Becoming an Eagle Scout in no way requires practical expertise in building fires.
2. It seems you looked at the picture rather than at the description of the cooking fire. The method described does not involve the spit; it involves logs on which you can rest your cooking pots and is clearly meant for a camp more on the Hemingway-long-term-fishing-camp model than a site at which you will be spending only one night.
3. Once again, the key point of the comfort fire is that it directs all of the heat in the direction you want it. If you know it is going to be a very cold night, you might want to take the time to make a fire designed to maximize heating in your direction.

By: Ryan Fischer

Ryan Fischer — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:50:21 +0000

As an Eagle Scout, I completely disagree with your insinuation that inefficient fires are bad fires for cooking. Quite the opposite, by burning sticks over 1/4in. in diameter, but under 1in. you quickly create excellent coals which will fuel a dutch oven. The archaic method of constructing a spit with which to hand a pot over a fire is complete nonsense. Sure, you can do it if you want to, but there is really no point in doing it, as a coal based heat source is superior for camping or hiking. There are lightweight alternatives to a dutch oven.

Anything you can cook in a pot, you can cook in a dutch oven. If anything, cooking fires are an obsolete tool, much like rope harnesses for climbing. There are better alternatives out there.

As for a “comfort” fire: A fire is a fire. Get it started, and make sure it won’t spread. Also, never make one in a cave…

A “snack” fire is also an equally laughable concept. Throw some wood together, get your tinder and kindling in any place, and watch the fire spread (as fires will tend to do). Tepee abominations are good for show, but they take way too long to construct for practical purposes.

But hey, I’m more of a hiker than a camper: I like things to be quick to prepare, and quick to take down.

By: Steve-O

Steve-O — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:07:04 +0000

@ Brian P,

Thanks for posting that link!! Amazing…

I really like the Dakota Fire Hole method the best, and hopefully This article will be amended one day to accommodate it.

By: Brian P

Brian P — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:39:00 +0000

You left out the best cooking camp fire of all, the dakota fire hole. Granted most parks may frown on you digging holes but saving the sod and soil off to the side allows the hole to be filled when you leave. Check out this link for the best overview of them I have found: http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/the-dakota-fire-hole/

By: Nik

Nik — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:53:45 +0000

I certainly enjoyed the article, but I’m not sure how to approach the building of the two fires (the more functional two) that require “green logs.” I don’t think it’s a good idea to chop down trees for your fire purposes unless you’re on your own land . . . so what is one to do? Where do you scavenge up green logs? Or do you make sure to only cut aspen because it’s already a worthless pest tree?

By: Playstead

Playstead — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:10:25 +0000

Great tips, and knowing how to build a fire really comes in handy once you have kids. Nothing is more impressive to them than seeing their dad build one hell of a fire.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:21:21 +0000

I have just got one of these stoves http://www.occuk.co.uk/outdoor
and I am very impressed it’s a great potboiler, I have the small one,
also it’s give me some thing to sit around it at night.Bushmans TV short of thing

By: Mark Steven Czikalla

Mark Steven Czikalla — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:17:25 +0000

Gentlemen, As outdoorsmen we have the responsibility of commonsense stewardship in the great outdoors. There is almost nothing more manly than to build a proper fire setting, and to tend to the fire.To be a keeper of the fire is an invitation of great conversation, moral building, an atmosphere of quiet inner-thought and reflection of how blessed we are to share our fire. I’ve never sat at a campfire where I have’nt got to know about friends and strangers a little bit better. So, keep your fires burning brightly boys.

By: P

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:21:53 +0000

@Lee, old school handbook is coming back! The new edition is taking old school info and adding a modern “green” twist to it!

By: Eric Olson

Eric Olson — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:40:37 +0000

There are ways to build fires that leave no trace. Do a Google search for Leave No Trace fires and see what comes up.

By: Art Gonzalez

Art Gonzalez — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:40:34 +0000

I remember going camping with an uncle of mine, retired from the US Army. He explained to me the different types of camp fires that you could build and it was a great experience.

Thank you as always for your great postings. God bless you!

Art Gonzalez
http://www.quantumknights.com

By: Lee

Lee — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:39:19 +0000

Another good tip I read from an Old-School Boy Scouts handbook (you know, the ones that actually knew what they were talking about…) was to dig yourself down below the topsoil, as was mentioned previously, but also to keep that topsoil handy with a shovel near it, to use as an emergency fire extinguisher. This is, of course, provided that the topsoil does not have too much organic or combustible material mixed in with it. This also allows you to bury your fire pit after you plan to move on, again keeping with No Trace camping ethos. Burying ashes and DEAD coals is a safe way to dispose of fire remnants.

By: P

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:38:18 +0000

If you use bar soap on the bottom and sides of your pans, you can prevent the burning of your pans. Make sure your fire is dead out! Dig through the coals and make sure that everything has been throughly soaked. You should be able to place your hand in it. Also, if building a fire in a new location, not established fire pit, take off the topsoil before building your fire. When you are finished break up the coals and scatter them in the woods and replace the topsoil you removed for no trace camping.

By: Fingersoup

Fingersoup — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:24:52 +0000

The reason national parks frown on campfires is because:

1. people are careless, and cause forest fires
2. People are messy, and don’t clean up after themselves

So, be responsible. Choose an open area for your fire. Keep your fires small, Never leave your fire unattended, and when you’ve put the fire out, spread the (cooled) ashes thinly over a large area.

As well, pay attention to campfire bans or forest fire risks. If the forest is dry, don’t light a fire. The last thing you want is to turn your camping trip into a state/provincial emergency.

By: Dustin | Engaged Marriage

Dustin | Engaged Marriage — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:11:30 +0000

As a camper and Dad, I really enjoyed this article. I used to be “that guy” who would always build a huge fire regardless of its utility. Fortunately, I have learned a lot over the years (mostly from my father-in-law) and I now build better fires. I will keep your tips in mind as I introduce my own son to the ways of the woods. We had our first Dad-Son only camping trip this summer and, of course, the campfire was his favorite part (and mine!).