For many people going out on camp, a good fireplace is a thing that makes the whole camping experience unforgettable. For those who know how to build a fire though, the experience is even more enhanced because it takes minimal effort to start it.

In turn, providing more time to sit around to enjoy it. Bypass the learning curve of building an incredible fire by reading this article.

How to Build a Fire

When building a fire, there are many things you should take into consideration. Fortunately for you, I spent years camping and testing out different techniques to finally come up with the simplest and most succesful ways to start a fire.

I also broke it down into just 4 simple steps so even if you never built a fire in your life, you should be able to pick up quite easily.

So let’s get into it.

Finding the Ideal Fire Spot

When searching for a place to start a fire there are a few things you should take into consideration to make it safe for you.

16ft (5m) rule – If you have found a spot to camp, try distancing the fire from your tent by about 16ft (5m) so that if a wind picks up the embers, it doesn’t end up landing on your tent and setting it a light.

Dry Debris – Make sure that the fire pit is clear from any dry debris that could be either on the ground or within a very close vicinity.

Trip Hazards – Simply put make sure that there is a clear area around the campfire from things you could possibly trip over. It actually happens quite often and being burned while on camp is definitely something people don’t look forward to.

If you just have to build your fire with a trip hazard nearby then make sure you are aware of it and cautious around it.

Look Up – When a fire begins to roar it creates a fair bit of heat and if you have branches overhanging it, they have the potential of catching on fire.

Putting out fires on the ground can be challenging at times, so just imagine how much more difficult it could possibly be if you have the put them out above your head.

River Rocks – People tend to love putting rocks around a fireplace. It makes the fire pit look better plus it works as a small barrier between the flame and the surroundings.

One thing you should always avoid using is river rocks as they are usually completely saturated. When they heat up, so does the moisture within the cracks in the rocks

As the water heats up it expands and in doing so erupt. Being in a close vicinity to an exploding rock could have catastrophic consequences.

A simpler way is to dig a small pit in the ground and have your fire within it (clear any rocks that you might come across).

With this, you don’t have to think about the rocks and afterwards, once you put the fire out you can cover it up to leave no trace.

Prepare the right materials

When building a fire there are a few things you should do before lighting a match

Make Your Own Fire Starters – When in the wilderness you can come across plenty of different fire starters but in the instance, it has rained for a while you might find it difficult to start a blaze.

You can easily make some before you go out camping and store them in a dry place to keep them ready for that moment when you need it.

My personal favourites include the lint from the dryer, vaseline covered cotton balls. For more check out

7 fire starters that will turn you into a fire god

The Right Fuel – Make sure to collect a decent amount of firewood before you start a fire

Usually, a few handfuls of firestarters, twigs, leaves a few armfuls of the bigger sticks and a stack about knee high of logs will sustain your fire for a while.

Also when stacking the wood, do it in multiple piles dividing the different types of wood you have, to make it simpler for you when starting a fire.

Make sure not to stack the wood to close to the fire so as to not create a trip hazard.

Building the Fire

When you have collected the right amount of wood and are happy with your campfire set up the fun part begins. Building a fire

This part is all about creativity, and working with what you have, but when building a fire you need to think about 3 things

• • The Fire Source (Ignition) – This will be either a set of matches, a lighter or a flint and steal

• • The Fuel (Wood) – This will be the fire starter and the wood you have collected

• • Breathability (Oxygen) – The fire needs oxygen to burn, if you make it impossible for the fire to get sufficient air, you will find that the fire will either not light up or will take quite some time to get started.

How to build a fire -The Hut fire technique

Start by laying two large logs down, parallel to one another.

In between the logs make sure there is a small gap  (channel) where you can lay your tinder down

Optimally you want the two logs to be about the same size.

Next, lay your small twigs and fire starters in between the logs.

Make sure you don’t block the flow of air in the channel, Make sure not to smother the channel.

Next, build a roof over your tinder, small twigs and fire starter with your thumb sized sticks.

This will protect it from the elements and also allow for the sticks to dry up and catch fire quick quickly

Now you have to do is light up the fire, as it starts burning occasionally keep adding tinder into the channel so that the fire does not go out.

Once the sticks above the tinder catch fire you can begin to stack more wood on top.

A good way to know that your fire will continue burning is when the logs on either side of the tinder have caught a light.

This is a super simple way to start a fire and a good base to start with, from here you can build the fire however you want.

Keep water on standby

If in the instant the fire starts playing up it’s a good idea to make sure you have some way of putting it out. No point searching for water once the fire starts spreading. Have it on hand

Additionally, it’s a good idea to put the fire out after you have enjoyed it and are moving on. This is so that you don’t end up starting unintentional fires.

Following these 4 steps will give you enough confidence and expertise to make a safe fire when out camping. Also, you will look like a total Fire God if you follow them correctly.

Did you enjoy this article on how to build a fire? Check out 30 hiking tips to make your next trip a breeze

And don’t forget to Comment, like and share this article so others can also learn the basics on how to build a fire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Building a Fire

Q1: What should I consider when finding the ideal spot for a fire?

• A1: Look for a spot 16ft (5m) away from your tent, clear of dry debris and trip hazards, avoid overhanging branches, don’t use river rocks, and consider digging a small pit for the fire.

Q2: How can I prepare the right materials for building a fire?

• A2: Make your own fire starters, collect a variety of firewood including firestarters, twigs, leaves, bigger sticks, and logs, and stack the wood in multiple piles, keeping different types separate.

Q3: What’s a simple technique to build a fire?

• A3: Use the Hut fire technique by laying two large logs parallel with a gap for tinder, lay small twigs and fire starters between the logs, build a roof over the tinder with thumb-sized sticks, and light the fire, adding tinder as needed.

Q4: How can I ensure safety while building and enjoying the fire?

• A4: Keep water on standby to put out the fire if needed, and make sure to put the fire out after enjoying it to prevent unintentional fires.

Q5: What should I avoid when building a fire?

• A5: Avoid using river rocks, blocking the flow of air in the channel when using the Hut fire technique, and stacking wood too close to the fire.

Q6: How much firewood should I collect before starting a fire?

• A6: Usually, a few handfuls of firestarters, twigs, leaves, a few armfuls of bigger sticks, and a stack about knee-high of logs will sustain your fire for a while.

Q7: Can I build a fire even if I’ve never done it before?

• A7: Yes, by following the simple 4-step process outlined in the article, even a beginner can build a fire safely and effectively.