Guide to making a camp fire?? (UPDATE INSIDE!!!)

[Zone-5]

I can't help thinking that to fulfill the 'something to do' category it would be simpler to carry a book . . .

http://www.camping-field-guide.com/camp ... -tips.html

[ErichFromm]

As well as the usual camping trips my brothers and I used to have the old backyard fire, with many trips to the garage to "see what was flammable". In retrospect quite scary as to what might have happened... sometimes it's surprising any kid makes it to adulthood.

[quill]

Building a heat reflector or placing the fire in front of a natural wall-like (non-flammable) structure gives much more warmth, and allows you to keep the fire small. Even a pack will do, judiciously placed of course. I personally find eking the most out of a small fire is much more satisfying than building a larger one and constantly be watching the embers. Embers are the biggest danger. I remember as a kid burning tumbleweeds as they give off fierce heat for a minute or so, then going to the tent to find hundreds of tiny holes on the fly where embers had landed (this was near Mildura in the middle of more or less a plain of sand so no danger).

Also remember extinguishing the fire will take more water than you assume - take no chances and cover it completely with earth after you are satisfied you have poured on enough water, and then poured on a little bit more.

If you can, maintain a small pile of loose earth next to the fire, as well as water, to rapidly kick over any elements which seem to be getting away from you.

One tip I have read in a few places (but not tried) for lighting damp wood is to build an 'upside down' fire with large wood beneath and kindling/tinder on top. As said above, whittling back kindling (or creating a feather stick) will expose dry wood to get it started. The rationale is as the kindling burns, it dries the wood beneath, which catches from the coals falling down. It seems reasonable but I'm not sure how efficient it is in a real-life situation.

[greyim]

Lighting a fire in Australia is so easy usually it is very scary

In the wider outdoor community, camp fires are certainly very popular (together with a beer if the whats left around by some is an indication).
Choice of campsite is a factor, nowadays naturally outside of fuel stove only areas, adjacent crown land, during summer have to watch for sparks, so its good to have plenty of water on site

[Zone-5]

Once you get a fire going it's best to get heavier woods on to get the coals up as quick as possible. Those who continue to dump lighter stuff on to get heat up are the ones that risk an ember storm and it's undesirable results down wind!