How do you build a fire?

[daybreak]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Coat a few cotton balls with Petroleum Jelly and put them is a small container. Throw one of them in as a fire starter. Small, light, inexpensive, clean burning and easy to carry.

This is what we do, cheap easy and works great!

[deebarjay]

but had a fire like I have never seen before....this is in Oshkosh...my neighbor from southern MO. had a bunch of 20 inch high logs about 12 inch diameter that were chain sawed with 3 cuts from the top with the log standing .../ \ -- across the top down ...like a triple X, cut down to about 4 inches from the bottom...... poured in a little lighter fluid in the cuts of the standing log...nothing else and lit it....he brought his own fire ring....not a blazing fire but not bad....you could cook off the flat top of the log in a fry pan or boil coffee....it was 90 outside...so big fire would have been too much.... I know I'm gonna give it a try.

[gashog]

I use Doritos and a handful of small twig. really works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW1zFRJM5yo

[KAS]

Originally Posted by Summer2Go

I've built fires for years, but I know I'm not good at it. My kids don't complain, but maybe they would enjoy the fireplace more if I was better at it!


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I use candle remnants that I save for that purpose throughout the year. Add some paper and small sticks and voila!

[Lloydg]

Originally Posted by Night Stone

Our way is take a couple of firewood set it up like a tent over kindling, light the kindling underneath the tent

Here is a good example on how to do it:
How to Build a Campfire - Scoutmastercg.com

My son and I are in Boy scouts, so it was easy for us plus my wife is a former girl scout. But for me and my wife, we were taught at an early age when we camped as kids/teenagers.

From one Scouter to another, this is how I have taught fire building for years. And with 35 years with BSA I've done it a few times. For those who have not built a fire like this, also called a Tee Pee, The idea of stacking the firewood in this configuration creates a chimney effect and helps keep the fire hot and burns real good.

[redcloud1]

Another method that I have used is take pinecones and cover them with paraffine wax they were real good as a fire starter

[grandmapaula]

We pick up taper candles cheap at garage sales, cut them into 1 to 1 1/2 inch lengths, cut wax paper into about 2 1/2 inch x 5" lengths wrap the candle stubs with wax paper. One or two will start any fire in any weather. We have also melted old candles, mixed them with saw dust from a local cabinet maker, and pour into egg carton or cardboard box molds. Cut the egg carton into twelve individual starters. Messy but fun and a great fire starter. As mentioned earlier, we also have coated pine cones with wax. Works well & if you don't mix your candle colors, they burn with pretty colored flames.

[MainelyUS]

My grandmother's technique...best way to use up your grease....better than throwing it the trash.
Gives breakfast an added value.

Happy Trails

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Coat a few cotton balls with Petroleum Jelly and put them is a small container. Throw one of them in as a fire starter. Small, light, inexpensive, clean burning and easy to carry.

How long (minutes) does one last? I'm thinking in terms of how much hot flame time does it produce, to ignite the other kindling?

[Maxhise]

I cheat big time. Typically I just use a propane torch that was made for asphalt roofing. I do not need paper, twigs, kindling, or even dry wood for that matter. Just stack the logs in Lincoln log fashion and hit em with the torch.


2000 Ford F-250 7.3 Powerstroke
2015 Sierra Select 32QBBS
2015 nights camping = 20

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[Gramps42]

Simple method-wad up a couple pieces of newspaper into a ball; make a teepee around it with thin dry sticks of kindling. Light the paper in several places around the "teepee" and when it gets going a little blow gently down low on the flame until the wood catches fire. Now add thicker pieces of wood to it and even build a square frame of logs around it, gradually covering the flames OR just continue to put thicker pieces in the tepee and you should be golden.

[Stormrider151]

I'm probably the laziest of all when it comes to fires. 2 box's of Duroflame logs. Stack 3 in the fire ring and light them. Clean burning, last about 3 to 4 hours and there's nothing left of them when done. Told ya......I'm pitiful.

[vinmaker]

[QUOTE=Maxhise;935741]I cheat big time. Typically I just use a propane torch that was made for asphalt roofing. I do not need paper, twigs, kindling, or even dry wood for that matter. Just stack the logs in Lincoln log fashion and hit em with the torch.


lol. You need to throw some used motor oil on it. That will give a bit more oooph to it.

Vin.

[trbomax]

I do hope your kidding about the drain oil?

[tjm]

A little kingsford charcoal with a pyramid of wood on top


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[mud yapster]

We use a piece of Pine knot it lights right up and gets a fire going quick. It's free we find it in the wood on our property. It's from old Pine trees that have died and the tree sap concentrate and is very flammable. Just takes a little piece and a spark will almost light it.

[Zeuster]

Originally Posted by tjm

A little kingsford charcoal with a pyramid of wood on top


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+1, with the match light variety even the crappy wood they sell at the campground will burn.

Frank

[Wolverine 1945]

Saw some sort of fire starter @ the Gate @ Hartwyck Pines a couple of weeks back,,, looked like some sort of candle ??? They were $1 ???

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

How long (minutes) does one last? I'm thinking in terms of how much hot flame time does it produce, to ignite the other kindling?

Won't start a wet Log, but will ignite reasonably dry sticks. Try one.

[Glindz233s]

Go to Home Depot or similar. Get a box of fire muffins (what my son calls them) - which are small pieces of pressed sawdust. Then add larger pieces of wood from finger diameter size up. Light muffin - enjoy!