How to Start a Campfire
Make sure that you can legally build a campfire., Acquire a campfire permit, if necessary., Find a low, dry, sheltered space., Build the fire pit., Practice fire safety.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure that you can legally build a campfire.
If the season or region is particularly dry, there might be restrictions on when, where, and why people can light fires.
Check the local fire restrictions online or at a ranger station before you go.
Some areas require you to register a campfire permit.
You may only be able to build fires in designed "campfire" spots.Respect the fire restrictions.
They are in place for a reason! Only you can prevent forest fires. -
Step 2: Acquire a campfire permit
In the U.S., many National Forest and Bureau of Land Management areas require you to carry a permit for building a flame outside of a designated fire pit area.
Visit any Forest Service, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Bureau of Land Management office to ask for a permit sheet.
In some areas, such as California, you can download a campfire permit online., In order to protect your fire from the wind, you should build your campfire on ground that is lower than the land around it.
Consider setting up the fire in an alcove against a rock or cliff face that will protect the flames from the wind – but be careful not to leave burn marks on the rock! Make sure that the ground is dry, and that there is no chance of your spot being exposed to rain.
If you are in a forest, look for a large clearing and build your fire near the center.
This way, the flames won't lick too close to the surrounding trees.
If you're expecting rain, you have two options: build the fire within a natural shelter, like a cave or an overhang; or tie up your own protective cover using a tarp or a tent fly. , First, dig a shallow hole—no more than 3-8 inches deep— so that the fire is protected from the wind.
Then, line the rim of the pit with stones or a thick berm of earth.
This protective barrier will help retain the heat, and it should keep the fire from spilling beyond its boundaries.
Use large stones (as big as your hand) to build the bulk of the barrier, then use smaller stones and soil to fill the cracks.
Try to choose dry stones.
If you cannot dig, you should still try to build a protective perimeter.
Clear any twigs and leaves at least two feet away from the edge of your fire circle. , Keep a water source nearby to extinguish the fire if need be.
Make sure to clear flammable objects from the perimeter of the fire pit.
Sweep away dry leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other things that might accidentally catch aflame.
Clear a swath at least a foot wide.
In a pinch, you can put out a fire by quickly shoveling earth or sand over the top.
However, there is no substitute for water. -
Step 3: if necessary.
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Step 4: Find a low
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Step 5: sheltered space.
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Step 6: Build the fire pit.
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Step 7: Practice fire safety.
Detailed Guide
If the season or region is particularly dry, there might be restrictions on when, where, and why people can light fires.
Check the local fire restrictions online or at a ranger station before you go.
Some areas require you to register a campfire permit.
You may only be able to build fires in designed "campfire" spots.Respect the fire restrictions.
They are in place for a reason! Only you can prevent forest fires.
In the U.S., many National Forest and Bureau of Land Management areas require you to carry a permit for building a flame outside of a designated fire pit area.
Visit any Forest Service, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Bureau of Land Management office to ask for a permit sheet.
In some areas, such as California, you can download a campfire permit online., In order to protect your fire from the wind, you should build your campfire on ground that is lower than the land around it.
Consider setting up the fire in an alcove against a rock or cliff face that will protect the flames from the wind – but be careful not to leave burn marks on the rock! Make sure that the ground is dry, and that there is no chance of your spot being exposed to rain.
If you are in a forest, look for a large clearing and build your fire near the center.
This way, the flames won't lick too close to the surrounding trees.
If you're expecting rain, you have two options: build the fire within a natural shelter, like a cave or an overhang; or tie up your own protective cover using a tarp or a tent fly. , First, dig a shallow hole—no more than 3-8 inches deep— so that the fire is protected from the wind.
Then, line the rim of the pit with stones or a thick berm of earth.
This protective barrier will help retain the heat, and it should keep the fire from spilling beyond its boundaries.
Use large stones (as big as your hand) to build the bulk of the barrier, then use smaller stones and soil to fill the cracks.
Try to choose dry stones.
If you cannot dig, you should still try to build a protective perimeter.
Clear any twigs and leaves at least two feet away from the edge of your fire circle. , Keep a water source nearby to extinguish the fire if need be.
Make sure to clear flammable objects from the perimeter of the fire pit.
Sweep away dry leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other things that might accidentally catch aflame.
Clear a swath at least a foot wide.
In a pinch, you can put out a fire by quickly shoveling earth or sand over the top.
However, there is no substitute for water.
About the Author
Carl Long
With a background in lifestyle and practical guides, Carl Long brings 5 years of hands-on experience to every article. Carl believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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