Camping Essentials: How to Build a Safe and Effective Campfire
Camping is a fun summer activity that most people enjoy. But one thing is essential for every camping trip—a campfire. If you don’t know how to build a safe and proper fire, your trip will most likely be cut short. There’s also no substitute for the cozy warmth of a campfire.
Essential Campfire Safety Tips
Before you decide on a campsite, find out the fire regulations and recommendations for the area. It is always wise to go prepared to cook on a camp stove and, where permitted, to use your campfire for a delightful social atmosphere. If it is OK to build a fire where you are camping, select a spot at least 15 feet from trees to build the fire. Fires built over roots are dangerous because the fire can follow the roots back to the trees or bushes and cause fires larger than you want. Never make a fire directly under branches or near dry grass or weeds.
If you are not building your fire in the metal rings provided in most campgrounds, use large rocks to enclose it. Always be aware of wind speed and direction. Sparks can travel great distances, and smoke can annoy your neighbor.
Never leave a fire unattended. If it gets out of control, always have a bucket of water and a shovel near it to extinguish it. You can also drown your fire out completely.
Now that you know the basics of caring for a fire, you need directions on constructing a fire pit. The keyhole fire, named after its shape, is one of today’s most common fires.
How to Build a Keyhole Fire
The keyhole design is ideal for both campfires and cooking fires. It is also the most efficient for cooking, as it offers a constant supply of fresh coals that can be raked to the cooking area when the temperature drops. Build the fire in the circular area and draw hot coals for cooking from the circle into the lower section of the keyhole. Additionally, the keyhole can be created using bricks to provide a stable surface for a grill.
With proper preparation and these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable campfire experience on your next camping trip!
