How to build a bonfire correctly – legally and efficiently
Spring is here, and for many it is synonymous with a walk in the woods and fields! Just as important as a first aid course is refreshing your memories of how to set up a campfire – because without food and drink, the hero is no good!
Safety and campfire ban
The first, and perhaps most important, point to remember is exactly when and where you can start a campfire, without risking a forest fire. The general rule is that it is only allowed to set up a campfire in forests and open fields between April 15th and September 15th without permission from the municipality.
There are some exceptions – if you use approved campfire sites you can grill as much as you want, all year round. This also applies if you are near water, on the beach for example, as long as you are not near forests or other dry areas. If you are unsure, always be on the safe side! Check with your municipality what rules apply.
Do not use lighter fluid when lighting a fire! You will easily get burned. Make sure to light the kindling with matches or a lighter.
Efficient campfire building
Now that you know you are in a safe place, it's important to set up the fire as efficiently as possible so you get good and stable heat.
It's not just about grabbing the first thing you find and crossing your fingers, it takes a bit of planning! It's important to know what you're going to use the fire for. Are you going to cook breakfast on the stove, or is light and heat more important?
See our selection of campfire and hiking equipment here
Starfire
An effective way to boil water is by using a star fire. This does not give off as much heat as a pagoda fire, but is perfect for a cup of coffee! Place about 6 large, good logs in a star formation. Between the logs, build a pyramid fire consisting of thick sticks leaning towards each other like a pyramid.
Fill the bottom of the fire with wood chips, dry twigs and birch bark. Birch bark is the outer, white layer of birch bark, which is very effective in starting a fire due to its waterproofness.
Now all you have to do is light it from the bottom, and push the logs inwards as they burn up!
Pagoda bonfire
If, on the other hand, you are more concerned with the coziness and warmth a campfire can give off, a pagoda campfire is the perfect fire for you. This requires a little more wood, but burns longer if you build it tightly and efficiently.
How many layers you build the layer in depends entirely on how long you want it to burn – the higher, the longer. It is common to build it in 4 or 5 layers.
Start by building a small pyramid fire. As you remember, you use kindling from fists, chips, and dry twigs.
Around the pyramid fire, place four solid logs of the same size – as fresh as possible. On top, place two logs at the very end. It is important to have plenty of space between them, so that you have room for the pyramid fire. Continue in a few more layers – as large as you want, and taper it a little towards the top. This will give the fire enough oxygen to burn for a while.
Hunter's campfire
If you are the rugged type, a hunter's fire can be practical and easy to cook with. Here you can choose which approach you want. One way to do this is to find three large, solid rocks that have room to place a pot on top. Between these rocks, you build a small pyramid fire.
You can also do this by finding three large, sturdy logs. These logs should be placed on end around the pyramid fire. When the flames start to die down, add more twigs and bark to the pyramid fire. This applies to all types of fires! If you don't keep the fire burning, it will eventually go out on its own.
Safety when extinguishing
Now you're done with the fire and ready to continue on your journey. But the work isn't over! It's critical to remember to put out the fire properly.Even though it may look burnt out, embers can easily flare up again in the wind.
So always make sure you have plenty of water with you to pour over the fire when you leave. You can also use sand or snow – but you will most likely have a few water bottles with you. When you can touch the fire without feeling the heat, it is safe to leave the scene.
Live Skartveit
Leave a comment