How to build and maintain a campfire?

[wagne223]

Well - around here, unless you have some ornamental hardwood tree that you want to donate to the campfire - its going to be pine. Usually just clear an area down to bare soil and build on that. Firebuilders only use local rocks once - ours contain moisture and will crack, split, explode if used to build a fire pit.

Start small with dry kindling - once its going throw on the bigger stuff and crack open a beer.

Besides - if I build some type of pit - it, more or less, means I will come back to that same area next time. I got 80 acres and have had bonfires in many areas all over the property.

Hunting camp is a planted pine forest so I'm with you!
Only hardwood is what I take with me!
I usually take a dozen or so peices of split oak to supplement the pine.

 

[wagne223]

We use rings and stone circles,as available at the time. Start with 3 or 4 logs side by side on ground,topped with 1/2" to 1" sticks laid perpendicular to logs,third layer is leaves,twigs,paper or other kindling,forth layer is same 1/2"to 1" sticks as secound layer. Final prep is leaning a few of same logs as we started with around the pile then light kindling. We never use gas,diesel or other fuel to start the fire. WHY? Several years ago,a group was sitting around a huge bed of glowing coals when someone mentioned that fire needed more fuel and stoked up. Un-noticed,a kid retrived the gas can that had been used earlier and threw gasoline on the fire. Flame reached the can,kid dropped can,gas splashed on kid and two other people. The kid and his uncle required hospitalization,other victim was only blistered on one leg. One chair and beer cooler were ruined and it was a scramble to get a truck out of the way. We inspect wood for poison oak/ivy and don't burn any that has ivy on it. WHY? Because if one is sensitive,they will break out and if smoke is inhaled,lungs break out in rash. Smoke in an eye can result in permanent damage.

Interesting way to build a fire.

I hear you on the fuel issue. I had a friend that received 3rd degree burns on his arm and face from gasoline on a fire. We were in our early 20's then.

I have not gone near fire and liquid fuels since.

I wont even use lighter fluid on charcoal.
I use a chimney with paper to light charcoal.

 

[wagne223]

I knew I would get some great ideas from you guys!

Thanks for all the information.

 

[4570Man]

The washing machine tub sounds like it would work great!

But it would really take away the visual appeal.

 

[wagne223]

But it would really take away the visual appeal.

Your right, it would.......

Did not think of that at first. The visual is very important!

 

[4570Man]

Your right, it would.......

Did not think of that at first. The visual is very important!

It’s hard to beat a ring like the campgrounds use or something cheaper like a truck rim with the center cut out. Or right in the ground if you’re on bare dirt.

 

[airbiscuit]

Seriously, a Swedish Candle is pretty darned fun ...

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I dug a pit about a foot deep and four feet in diameter. Lined it with stones. I feel the pit concentrates the heat of the fire, really makes it burn hotter and more evenly. Which means less smoke.

 

[jaxs]

I dug a pit about a foot deep and four feet in diameter. Lined it with stones. I feel the pit concentrates the heat of the fire, really makes it burn hotter and more evenly. Which means less smoke.

Seem's a shame going to all that trouble without roasting a whole hog.