How to Build a Fire

This is a big deal, guys. Building a great fire brings honor and reverence in the company of other men. (Not to mention how much your wife will appreciate it.) A strong and well-contained fire is practical, and the centerpiece of outdoor survival. Everybody loves sitting or standing around an open fire on a cold evening.

Before we can talk about how to build it, let’s make sure we have everything we need: a secure fire pit, dry wood, kindling (little sticks or pieces of wood that light easily), a starting medium (crumpled newspaper, dry leaves, or dry grass), and a match or lighter. Also, a bucket of water or sand (just in case). Now, let’s get this thing started.

1. Make sure all the guys are ready to stand around and watch you do your work. Be prepared for input and suggestions. (Every guy’s got an opinion on how to build a fire when he’s merely observing). You won’t need any additional input if you keep reading.

2. Build a little “log cabin” or “tepee” with the kindling.

3. Place leaves, grass, or paper inside the cabin or tepee.

4. Have some larger pieces of wood ready to build a larger tepee or cabin around the smaller one once it catches fire.

5. Light the paper, grass, or leaves. Once it catches a little, blow on it. As the little cabin or tepee starts to burn, build a bigger one around it. Be prepared to add some more paper on top of the smaller cabin or tepee. This will enable the fire to start burning a bit quicker.

6. Once the fire is going, keep an eye on it and add more wood as needed. But avoid smothering the fire with wood. Don’t bombard the tepee. Adding firewood is a slow art.

7. Pay attention to Smokey Bear: Never leave a fire unattended.

8. When you’re done with the fire, douse it with water or sand. Make sure it’s out before you leave it.
 

This article was taken from How to Hit a Curve Ball (Tyndale) by Stephen James and David Thomas. To order the book click here!