1. How to Build the Perfect Fire
“I am the Fire starter”
How to Build the Perfect Fire

2. Location Make sure to light fires in designated fire pits
If not choose a location that is
1. Upwind from shelter
2. Away from overhanging branches or canopy
3. On rocky, non-flammable surface

3. Safety
Make sure that
- surface is level (pit is surrounded by rocks etc)
- you have water in a container nearby
- you control its size and embers
- FULLY EXTINGUISH before leaving

4. Regulations, Conditions and Permits
Be knowledgeable and aware of local forest fire regulations.
Do you need a permit?
Are there designated only places that you can light a fire?
What are the conditions?
Dry – High risk
Moist – Low risk

5. The Fire Triangle All fires need oxygen, fuel and heat
Fuel – What you are burning
Oxygen - Wind or circulation
Heat – Lighter, matches, flint etc

6. Preparation 1- Tinder Collect Tinder Smallest, driest most
flammable stuff you can find
Dead pine needles,
dead grass, tiny twigs,
birch bark
Smaller than your pinky finger

7. Preparation 2 - Kindling
Collect Kindling
Kindling is wood that
has a small circumference
Wood that has been split, narrow trunk pieces or branches
Thicker than your finger –
no thicker than your wrist

8. Preparation 3 - Firewood
The best firewood is dry and cured (not green or rotted)
Do not cut down living trees for firewood
Gather more then you think you need
Cut to pieces that will fit in your pit

9. Fire-building
After wood is gathered light tinder. (out of wind but close to or in structure)
Begin or continue building structure. Kindling first then firewood.
Don’t get too excited! Be patient!

10. Fire-building – 2 types Log Cabin Tinder and kindling in center
Firewood piled like a log cabin.
Alternating directions

11. Fire-building – 2 types Teepee Kindling and tinder in center
Balance firewood leaning against each other like a teepee