Is there an actual science to making a good campfire, or do u just pile n light?

Answer 1

How to Build a Campfire

Man's oldest foe can be tamed. What once only caused forest fires can now bring light, warmth and hot beans.


Steps:
1. Situate your fire at least 10 feet away from tents, trees, roots and other flammable items if there's no fire ring available. Clear a space 24 to 32 inches across. (Image 1)

2. Don't make a ring of rocks if one isn't already there, and don't build against a boulder or other rocks. This will needlessly char the rocks without adding any significant containment to the fire. (Image 2)

3. Gather firewood and kindling if necessary, using only fallen branches. Note that many parks and wilderness areas even forbid gathering fallen material, which plays an important role in the ecosystem. (Image 3)

4. Build a small, loose pile of kindling, making sure to allow space for air to feed the fire. Include paper scraps, dry plant matter and other small, flammable items. (Image 4)

5. Construct a pyramid of dry twigs and small sticks around and above the kindling pile. (Image 5)

6. Light the kindling with a match.

7. Add increasingly larger sticks and then logs as the fire grows in strength, always leaving enough space between them for the fire to breathe.


Tips:
Using a gas stove instead of a campfire to cook food in the wilderness is recommended - it's easier to use, cleaner and better for the environment.


Warnings:
Always have someone watching your campfire - don't leave it unattended.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the fire regulations of the area you're camping in before starting a fire.

Tips from eHow Users:
Start A Fire Without Paper by Kevin Aldrich
Arrive at that beautiful campsite but realize you forgot to bring paper to start a fire? Here's what to do:

1. Find a location away from any flammable materials, such as brush, gear, and tents.

2. Find an existing fire pit, or build your own out of available rocks. If there aren't any, clear an area roughly three feet across. If a shovel is available, dig a fire pit nine to twelve inches deep.

3. Find some cedar bark or wood. Fir or pine may also be used, but cedar is best. Using a pocket knife, carefully shred a handful of wood shavings.

4. Place the handful of cedar (or other wood) shavings in the center of your fire pit.

5. Using a match or lighter, light the shavings.

6. Once the shavings catch fire, add some small pieces of kindling. As the fire grows, add progressively larger pieces of kindling and wood.

7. Find a long, skinny stick.

8. Place a marshmallow on the end of the stick.

9. Roast it over the fire you just built and enjoy.

Answer 2

Make a 'cone' or 'teepee' shape of fairly small branches, with kindling (twigs) and birch bark if available inside. You light the kindling, by the time it burns down, the small branches should be going, then you can start adding larger ones. The bigger (diameter) the wood, longer it takes to start burning, so the more 'established' your fire needs to be before you put it on.

Birchbark is nature's gasoline.

Answer 3

put wood in a pile,,pour gasoline on [about a gallon should do]..go look for a match.. when youcan find one grab your lighter.. get right down onthe pile of wood and strike the lighter.. See ya in the next world..