Campfire Ring
by Jeff
I agree with all the fire starting tips mentioned before. However, I would add that a person should avoid using shale and slate stone in a fire. If they absorb moisture as is typical, steam can build up to the point where the stone will actually explode violently.
The back story is when I was a ranger some campers pulled shale stone from a creek to form a fire-ring. About an hour later while on patrol I heard what I swore where gun shots, a big time no no in this part of the park. I arrived at the site to find the campers saying that their fire ring was exploding.
OK whos been drinking, I thought-just then BANG!!! A piece of shale about the size of a deck of cards goes flying by our heads.
Well, I extinguished the fire no one was hurt but a lesson was learned.
Prepare for your wilderness adventure.
