How to Build a Camp Fire

Hi, my name is Eli Jones. The way I help people can be perceived in a couple different ways. I am going to show you a talent that can either improve your summer night-time social life or save your life in a scary situation. I want people to know how to build a campfire successfully and efficiently. Most people do not know how to create the perfect campfire experience or how to create the best fire to keep them warm and safe. 

For many years, I have been building campfires every single chance that I get. I promise that by the end of this, anyone will be able to construct an excellent fire. Before the procedure can begin, a few supplies will need to be gathered. Some instrument of fire needs to be obtained, whether that be matches or a lighter, it does not change the outcome. The biggest component in starting and maintaining a fire is the kindling. Kindling is the paper, the small twigs, and any other small thing that is quite flammable. To make sure there is an adequate amount of kindling, collect at least three large handfuls of small to medium sized sticks, one handful of large sticks, along with four to ten pieces of paper. After the ignitor and the kindling have been gathered, find small to medium sized logs that are one to two feet long and four to six inches in diameter. To begin, four logs of this size will be needed, but to maintain a fire, there must be more logs to add on later. Larger logs should be near by to use as the fire grows and becomes hotter. When finishing up, a source of water will be needed. 

Before starting the fire, take the pieces of paper and crumple them into balls. Place them into the fire pit on the very bottom. Make sure that they are six to ten inches apart. Take the very smallest sticks and place them over the paper balls. Grab the next biggest sticks and place them over the smallest sticks. Use the lighter or the matches available to light the paper. 

As the paper burns, it will light the smaller sticks, and as the fire grows, start to place the smallest logs on and around the pile of burning sticks. As you place the smaller logs onto the fire, place two of them parallel to each other just outside the pile of sticks. Place the next two logs perpendicular to the first two just above the outer edge of the sticks. Finally place the next two logs parallel to each other and to the bottom row. Each row of logs should be closer to the center of the fire than the last, so it looks something like a chimney becoming skinnier as it goes up. 

As the fire burns increasingly, continue to place the logs on the fire in the same manner. To help the fire burn hotter and longer, place the bigger logs on the sides tipped towards the center. It should form a sort of teepee. Make sure to wait well into the fire before completing this step. Many layers of the "chimney" should be placed and burned before this step begins.

Finally, to put out a campfire correctly and safely, use more water than seems necessary. When putting water on the fire, cover all areas on fire or just red until the entire fire has become only smoke. All areas need to be dowsed heavily to avoid accidental fires. If red embers are visible, dowse them.