How to build a safe campfire

Campfires are a summer tradition in the northwoods. Gathering around a crackling campfire and listening to the loons calling from the lake is a peaceful way to end the day. Whether cooking hotdogs, roasting marshmallows or taking the chill off the night air, these tips will help you build a campfire that burns well and extinguish it safely when you are done.

Building a safe campfire

There are a few important things to consider before building a fire.

If wilderness camping, pick a spot at least 10 feet from tents and away from brush and grass. This will keep smoke away from the sleeping area. Also pick a location that is sheltered from the force of the wind so the fire will not be blown out.

Be sure young children are actively supervised so they do not get too close to the fire. They should also practice the move “stop, drop and roll” used to extinguish clothing that catches fire.

The DNR suggests these steps to build a safe campfire:

► Clear the campfire site down to bare soil and remove any combustible materials (leaves, sticks, etc.) within five feet of the fire.

► Build a small fire and contain it within a fire ring three feet or less in diameter.

► If no fire ring is available, scoop out a depression in the center of the cleared area and arrange a ring of rocks around it.

► Have a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire in case the fire spreads.

Campfire styles

These are a few of the most popular styles.

► The Teepee

This is the most common type of campfire. It is made by a creating a base of kindling (newspaper, bark, or dry brush) and then leaning logs onto each other over it. The fire is started at the bottom, and as the kindling burns it ignites the logs. Eventually the teepee will collapse as the logs burn and fall into the middle of the fire. More logs may be added as needed. The teepee fire produces a lot of heat and light, but is fast-burning, so be sure to have a good supply of wood on hand a safe distance from the fire to add as the fire burns down.

► The Log Cabin

This type of fire may also be referred to as the criss-cross or self-feeding fire. A log cabin format consists of logs stacked in alternating layers like the frame of a log cabin. Larger logs are stacked in a criss-cross fashion at the bottom level, then medium sized-wood, then small wood. Put some twigs and brush on the top for kindling and start the fire from the top down. As the fire burns on top, it will spread down to the next layer, making this a self-feeding fire. The Log Cabin fire is exceptional for cooking since it produces a steady heat and burns for a long time.

► The Swedish Torch

This type of fire is ideal for cooking or boiling water with a limited supply of wood. Take a large log and slice it in an “x” shape to create just enough air flow to allow a fire to burn in the center. Shortly after starting the fire, set a pot or kettle on top of the log base. Remove the pot or kettle before the log burns and collapses.

Extinguishing the campfire

When leaving the campsite, make sure the fire is completely out. TakeMeCamping.org states that the best way to extinguish the fire is to first use a bucket to spread water over the fire to extinguish the flames. Next, use a stick to stir the fire bed and then pour more water over the area.

Repeat as needed until there is no more “hissing” sound coming from the fire when water is poured over it. Cover the area with dirt. This assures embers are all extinguished and cannot re-ignite.

Stay in the area for at least 30 minutes to make sure the fire does not start up again.