Quick answer Know the rules. Always check fire restrictions first. Pick a safe spot. Use existing rings or clear a wide area. Gather fuel responsibly. Dead and down wood only, and only what you need. Start small. Build a tinder nest and add kindling, then larger fuel. Manage the flame. Keep it contained and never…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer Green flames in your campfire usually mean you’re burning copper. Copper gets into wood from treated lumber or even certain rocks. It’s mostly harmless, but can indicate older, treated wood. Don’t try to force green flames; it’s a sign, not a feature. Stick to natural,…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer Your fire is burning green because the wood is too wet. Green wood has a high moisture content, which cools the fire and produces steam. Try using drier wood, like seasoned hardwoods. Build a hot, strong base of coals before adding greener logs. Consider using…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer Tinder is the super-fine, dry material that catches the initial spark or flame. Think cotton balls, birch bark shavings, dry grass, or even lint from your pockets. It needs to be bone dry to ignite easily. Get your tinder ready before you strike a match…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and ash burn hottest and longest. Seasoned wood is key – it’s dry and burns efficiently. Avoid softwoods like pine or fir for your main fire; they burn fast and spark. Store firewood off the ground and covered on top. Check…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer Know your fire restrictions. Seriously. Scout your fire ring. Is it safe and legal? Check the weather. Wind is a fire’s best friend. Gather your fuel before you light. Have water and a shovel ready. Always. Pack out your trash. Don’t leave a mess. Tell…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer Kindling is small, dry material used to catch a flame from a match or lighter and transfer it to larger fuel. Think pencil-lead to pencil-thick dry twigs, bark shavings, or fatwood. It needs to be bone dry and easily breakable. Gather more than you think…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer A blow poke is a fireplace tool that combines a poker and a bellows. It lets you move logs and add air to your fire. You use it to control and revive dying embers. It’s a simple, effective way to manage your fire without separate…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer A tinderbox is a portable container holding everything needed to start a fire. Historically, it held char cloth, flint, and steel. Modern versions might use cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly or commercial fire starters. It’s a crucial piece of survival gear, especially when electronics…
← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance Quick answer Tinder is your fire’s spark plug. It catches a flame easily. Think dry, fluffy, and fibrous. Natural options: birch bark, pine needles, dry grass. Man-made options: cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, commercial fire starters. Keep it bone dry. Even a little dampness is a…
