How to build a fireplace

Knowing a couple of basic rules how to build a fireplace for cooking and warmth is essential for all wilderness travelers. First choose a fireplace site that is sheltered and protected from the wind and has a supply of wood or other fuel available.


There should be nothing nearby that could catch fire such as dry vegetation. Clear any debris away and start the fire on solid ground. Make sure your fire don't get out of control. Safety is an essential consideration.


Retain heat

If you don't have a fire ring, you can make a ring of stones to surround your fire, which will insulate it and retain heat. As an alternative you can build a fire wall using logs or rocks to reflect the fire's heat in the direction you want.


Wet ground

If the ground is wet or covered with snow the campfire must be built on a platform. Make this from a layer of green logs that are wrist size and break or cut them into appropriate lengths. Cover the platform with a layer of earth or layer of stones.

Don't use wet or porous stones, especially not rocks from a river bank. They will crack and explode when heated.

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