For some context, we discussed the fire survival basics over here. In this post we are going to discuss ways generally for how to build a fire. To shortly recap our fire survival basics post, a fire runs mainly on three things: air (oxygen), fuel, and heat.
Fire-building can be done in several ways and the methods you will use ought to depend on the situation.
How to build a fire: Fire Survival: Tepee/Tipi Fire
For the tepee or tipi fire, you are to arrange and shape tinder (compact) and a few kindling sticks (around the tinder) into a tepee or cone-like figure. To light, start with the center. As it burns away, more of the outside fuel (sticks) will fall inward – increasing the fire. This falling of fuel or wood can be also considered a downside as it can possibly destabilize your tepee – this is especially true with bigger tepee fires. One last thing also is that even when made with wet wood, this method still will work.
How to build a fire: Fire Survival: Lean-to Fire
For the lean-to fire, you are to plant a stick or a thick piece of kindling into the ground at 30-degrees. Make sure also to have it pointing towards the wind’s direction. Place then some tinder beneath this lean-to stick. For kindling, lean pieces of them against the stick. Start by lighting the tinder. Just add more kindling when it catches fire from the tinder.
How to build a fire: Fire Survival: Cross-ditch Fire
For the cross-ditch fire, you are to scratch a cross of about 30 centimeters in the ground. Dig then that 7 and a half centimeters deep. Place a lot of tinder at the center of it. Above that, build a kindling pyramid. The ditch will allow air to sweep underneath the tinder to provide a helpful draft.
How to build a fire: Fire Survival: Pyramid Fire
For the pyramid fire, you are to place two small branches or logs on the ground parallel to each other. Have a solid layer of branches or logs across these. Do this three or more layers more. Each layer should go on top smaller than and at a right angle the layer below it. Start the fire by the top. Good thing about this fire is that the fire burns downward constant – needing less attention to manage unlike, say, the tepee fire.
Do note that there are many more methods out there for you to learn and master.
Originally posted 2016-07-13 14:12:49.
