As far as I see, making fire is the most challenging task for beginners. Even, I was really helpless on my second camping tour when I forgot to bring lighter in my camping. Yesterday, I was thinking about it and planned to share something important on how to make a fire in the wilderness with nothing.
Well, in today’s discussion, I love to seek the attention of the beginners the most. As I said before that making fire is tough for different issues, you should learn effective techniques that will help you especially when you have nothing.
I also love to share some necessary tips and list the essential tools you should always carry when to pack for your camping. So, don’t skip any part. One day, you will definitely thank me for this information.
However, when I recall my second trip, I remember a trick that my uncle Shared with me, and unacceptably it worked too well.
So, I will share the trick in detail first. Before saying goodbye, I’ll tell you about the other tips. Let’s get started.
How Should You Make a Fire in Camping?
For the best solution about how to make a fire in the wilderness with nothing, you have to follow someone after one step. Let’s see how to do that.
Step 1
First, you need to check the weather condition. If it’s dry the procedures should be something and if it is damp something different. In dry conditions, you don’t need to take extra precautions.
On rainy days on damp grounds, it is suggested to bring sufficient papers, dry woods, cardboards, etc. It will increase your chances to make a proper fire in wet seasons.
Step 2
Next, you will need to find a good place for the fire. It’s better to clear the place and make the fire on the bare soil directly. The ground is the safest and most convenient place for making a proper fire.
This process depends on the camping site, if you are camping in a designated campsite then start the fire on the campfire place. If the place is a random site then make the fire away from the flammable woods and dry leaves.
Step 3
I have always dug the ground a bit for the fireplace. I would suggest you make a large dent into the ground before starting the campfire.
The center of the fireplace should be the deepest place. It allows the fire to be well controlled and safe from a sudden gust of wind. This will also work as a natural ash container.
Step 4
It’s better to take protective measures for the campfire. You do not want to make it vulnerable to winds and rain. You can collect stones and pebbles from the nearby areas and make a protective circle around the dent.
This way you can protect the fire from unwanted situations. It will work as a shield from the accidental spreading of fire and the maintenance will be easy.
Step 5
Take fire extinguishing tools with you or prepare with helpful materials. It’s easy to find sand, soil, and water nearby. It’s better to pack a small fire extinguisher and some water before going camping.
Keep a bucket of water or sand near the fire dent. It will surely help before the spreading of fire at large. I always take a little fire extinguisher in my backpack.
Step 6
The next step will be arranging dry kindling and tinder woods. Those should be dry and usable for the fire. For tinder, collect dry barks, dry glass, bits of woods, and dry leaves.
The kindling wood should be dry tree branches and twigs. It is needed to start the sparks. So being dry and flammable is very important.
Step 7
Now it’s time to gather the firewoods. You should get plenty of them around the campsite. They might come in different sizes. The standard size for them would be approximately 1-2 feet.
After collecting, turn them into the proper size and make bleeding of tinder woods inside the pit. That should be laid towards the center of the fire pit.
Step 8
Now the maintenance of the campfire begins. Store and stack the kindling woods. Stack them over the tinder in the shape of a tepee. This is the most convenient way. Add more woods until it takes a durable shape.
After making a tepee shape, set more firewoods over the pieces to make the tepee strong. Fire needs sufficient airflow. So keep the necessary space directing towards the natural wind direction.
Step 9
Now you will have to light the woods. Make sure that you are giving this task to the right person. Light it with the help of a match or a gas lighter and slowly use that until the flame sparks and the firewoods start catching fire.
Make sure the airflow is sufficient enough and you must give this task to a capable person. I always try to do myself or give the task to an experienced individual.
Step 10
After igniting the fireplace, keep adding more woods to keep it stable. As the fire gets increases that will consume more woods and leaves.
This process keeps ongoing. Add more woods and leaves as needed. If you want to stop it, stop adding more woods and slowly pour water or sand on it. You can also use a fire extinguisher.
Things You Shouldn’t Miss to Carry to Get Help in Making Fire
This point I want to include just to help you to make the checklist for your camping about fire or light. Here, I leave a list of things you should carry to the campsite to make fire or light.
- A matchbox is good to help you make fire, so you shouldn’t forget it. I prefer carrying it in a plastic bag so that it doesn’t get wet.
- Unlike a matchbox, a gaslighter can never get wet and come with no help. But if it is filled with gas, then there is no reason to leave it at your home.
- You may not be able to light a fire even if you have a gas lighter or a matchbox. If the firewoods are damp it will be hard to light them up. But if you have fuel, you can just make fire with whatever you have.
- If you think of making fire at your campsite then you cannot leave your home without having a few bundles of firewood. Without woods, you cannot keep the fire lightning for long.
- You should have a sharp saw too. If you forget to bring woodfire or don’t have that right the moment, you can use the saw to cut some tree branches and use them as the firewoods.
- Fire basket can also help you make fire very easily even if you don’t have wood. You can just put some dry leaves and light them up. But fire from leaves won’t last long.
- If it is summer and you don’t need fire as a source of heat, you can just take a battery lamp for light. It will be hassle-free if you have some extra battery.
- You can use a solar lamp too. For that, you don’t have to bring some extra battery and just sunlight can help you get to the light at night.
I don’t tell you to carry all these things at once to your campsite. In fact, you don’t need all of them at the same time. But, it is good to have some of them to ensure an easy fire-making program while camping.
Essential tips to remember
I’ll end today’s discussion with some essential tips regarding the campfire. The following points I like you all to remember in this case.
- You should always choose a dry and clean place to make fire.
- Never ever make a fire near a full-grown bush or tree. In any case, the fire spreads in it, you may end up making a wildfire.
- You should get enough firewood. In this case, you should keep the trip duration in mind. For a night you will need 4 or 5 handles of firewood.
- If it is possible, then try to cover the firewood with a waterproof curtain. It helps to keep them dry and you can then make fire with them so easily.
- Keep at least a couple of meter space between your tent and the campfire place. And make sure that the camp rope is not hanging near the fire.
- While using the fuel, you should be more careful. Don’t keep the bottle near the campfire and never put fuel while the fire is already made.
- If it is not winter, you can just replace fire with a lamp. Use battery or solar lamps in this case.
- Always make things safely especially when it is about the fire. Because you cannot forget that safety comes first of all other issues.
Do you think this short discussion can help you while camping? Let us know what else you have to learn about camping and hiking. We love to help you with our experience and ideas. However, it’s time to bid goodbye, and don’t forget about safety when making a campfire. Thank you.
Max, a passionate lumberjack and outdoors enthusiast, loves fishing, camping, and hunting. He has extensive experience in the great outdoors and is eager to join Outdoor Fun Mag to share his adventures and knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Max promises to bring laughter, learning, and an unforgettable outdoor experience.