How To Build A Fire || Rei

When it comes to camping, one of the most essential elements is a good campfire. But not all fires are created equal. In this guide, we will explore three common ways to arrange the wood for your campfire so that it truly goes up in flames.

Before you start building your fire, always remember to use a designated fire ring that is well away from any flammable grasses or trees. It's also crucial to keep enough water on hand to extinguish the fire and to check your campground's regulations regarding gathering firewood.

The Three Types of Fuel: Tinder, Kindling, and Fuel Wood

To build any type of fire, you will need three types of fuel: tinder, kindling, and fuel wood. Tinder is anything that catches fire quickly, such as dry bark, leaves, or pine needles. Homemade options like dryer lint or cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly also work well. Kindling consists of small sticks that burn longer than tinder and help ignite your fuel wood. Fuel wood are the larger logs that burn long into the night.

The Tepee Technique: Quick and Easy

One common and quick campfire technique is the Tepee. This method lights easily and doesn't require a lot of wood, but you will need to tend the fire more than other options. Start by placing tinder and small kindling in the middle and build a cone of smaller logs around it. Once the fire is going strong, add larger logs carefully to avoid smothering the flames.

The Log Cabin Technique: Big Fire with Minimal Tending

The Log Cabin technique allows you to get a relatively big fire going quickly without needing constant attention. Begin by laying down larger logs with gaps between them and then place smaller logs across them like building a log cabin. Leave space in the middle for air flow and add layers of slightly smaller logs with tinder and kindling in between. Light it up and enjoy the warmth of the fire without having to tend it constantly.

The Upside Down Fire: Long Burning with Minimal Maintenance

For a long-burning fire that requires minimal tending, consider using the upside-down fire technique, also known as a pyramid. Lay large logs at the bottom with little space between them and add layers of slightly smaller logs on top until you have a pyramid shape. Place tinder and kindling on top and light it up. As the fire burns through each layer of logs