Select a site

Always use designated rings or pits when possible. If not, selecting a site avoiding dry grasses or roots & near a water source to extinguish with.

• Don’t use river stones to build a ring – they can explode!

Build it first… then light it

Bonus! In winter, build a base of logs or metal sheet below to stop the fire from burrowing.

• The Lean-To: Tinder underneath, largest log on top
• The Log Cabin: Tinder in the centre, can layer less dry wood on top to slowly dry out
• The Teepee: A well balanced Y-stick is key, tinder nestled inside

Extinguish it

Hover your hand to feel for warmth; look for embers; stir in water

Can’t get it started or it keeps dying? Fires need these three things.

Fuel

Cut logs; wrist size; finger size (aka kindling); bird’s nest ting twigs (aka kindling); tinder bundle.

• Avoid: Green, live, splintering
• Choose: Dead, dry, clean snap

Heat

• Magnesium and steel
• Old school charcloth catches spark from flint & steel
• Always have backup lighters or matches

All can be lit onto dry lint or commercial starters; dry bark; dry leaves or moss

Oxygen

• Get down low to blow or fan on the coals directly
• Ensure adequate airflow through the ring & wood
• Shelter from wind if there’s too much oxygen!

Check local Leave No Trace guidelines for disposal of ashes. Common ones include packing out or scattering cold ashes.