How To Start A Campfire

All set to enjoy an evening around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, relaxing your nerves, singing gaily and having loads of fun!! However, did you care to find out if anyone is aware of the art of starting the campfire itself? Though it might sound simple, starting a campfire can be extremely tricky, especially if you are a beginner. Starting a campfire does not just mean flaming up some twigs and logs. You need to first set up the place for the purpose. Then, the twigs, sticks, tinder and logs should be arranged in a specific way, so as to start the fire as well as keep it going. In the following lines, we have mentioned useful tips on how to start a campfire.

How To Start A Campfire

Setting the Fire Pit

The first step would be to set up the fire pit. For this, you need to find a flat area that is 4 to 5 feet wide and out of range from trees, camping equipments, tent and cabin.
The next step would be to properly clean the place. Remove any kind of debris, sticks and leaves from the area.
Now, collect stones of varying sizes from the surrounding area. Make sure you find some that are flat in size and about the size of your open hand.
Build a wall that is about 6 inches high and about 2 to 3 inches in diameter from the center area. Make sure that there are some gaps in the wall, allowing air to pass through.

Starting The Fire

For starting the fire, the first step would be to collect as many small 'dry' twigs, sticks and logs as possible. To check for the dryness, break the twig into two parts. If it breaks with a loud noise, it is dry, but if it bends and peels, it is too wet to be used.
Just twigs and sticks would not suffice for the campfire. You also need to collect tinder (anything light that catches fire immediately), such as birch or cedar bark, newspapers, napkins, paper, dry leaves, etc.
Place the tinder in the center of the fire pit. Now, arrange the twigs around the tinder, leaning against each other, to make a conical shape.
To avoid the twigs from toppling down, tie the mouth of the cone with a string. This would make it sturdy and also enhance the flame.
Next, add larger sticks to the twigs, so as to make it firm and steady.
Using either a match or a lighter, light the tinder. If the sticks and leaves have been constructed correctly, this should be enough to catch them. In case the fire does not start, add more tinder to the already burning tinder, until it catches fire.
As the fire kindles, let it burn for sometime. First use the smaller branches and then add larger ones.
As the embers start glowing brightly, know for sure that the flame has successfully caught the branches. Add the first log to the already vibrant flame.
Just when the first log catches fire, add two to three logs, one at a time.
Continue adding the logs to keep the fire going until you want. Happy camping!!

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