{"id":98537,"date":"2023-08-10T11:26:53","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T09:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/making-fire\/"},"modified":"2023-08-10T11:27:04","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T09:27:04","slug":"making-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/blog\/making-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"Making fire \u2013 a detailed step-by-step guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When we talk about \u201cbuilding a fire\u201d, we generally refer to an <strong>\u201copen fire\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 not a fire in a stove, fireplace, or oven. To put it more simply: a fire is \u201copen\u201d when it is not lit in a closed combustion chamber. A campfire is therefore an open fire.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, fire pits, hobo stoves, barbecue grills and some types of cookers can also be considered &#8220;open&#8221;. You can quickly find yourself in a jungle of arbitrary rules and grey areas. That\u2019s why this series of articles will focus exclusively on the <strong>classic campfire<\/strong> outside in the great outdoors.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules and regulations<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40140\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Feuer.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Feuer.jpg\" alt=\"Open campfire\" width=\"350\" height=\"260\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This beautiful sight is enough to make the heart of any outdoor enthusiast beat a little faster.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>At first glance, the answer is as simple as it is sobering: in Germany, <strong>open fire and open light<\/strong> (candles, torches, lanterns) are <strong>forbidden<\/strong> in forests and within 100 metres of the edge of the forest. Smoking is normally forbidden between 1 March to 30 October, and disposing of glowing cigarette stubs is, of course, also prohibited. There are also restrictions and prohibitions for meadows, fields, and shore areas.<\/p>\n\n<p>But, as is always the case when it comes to rights, rules, and prohibitions in Germany, these are complicated and comprehensive \u2013 and the rules about fire are no exception. The <strong>German Federal Act for the Protection of Nature and the Federal Forest Act<\/strong> provide the regulatory framework, but many things are also regulated at a state level and can even be different from one township to the next. That means that the rules can be contradictory at different levels. According to outdoor and survival expert <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/kaisackmann\">Kai \u201cSacki\u201d Sackmann<\/a><\/strong>, the state-specific regulations apply in case of doubt. Sackmann\u2019s very worthwhile article is one of the few detailed and clearly structured commentaries on the legalities of outdoor fires in Germany.<\/p>\n\n<p>But why are things so complicated and heavily regulated in Germany? Well, there are a lot of people there (on average 225\/km\u00b2) who share relatively few, generally small natural areas. The rules and regulations aren\u2019t there to annoy outdoor enthusiasts; they are there to protect the remaining forests and natural habitats from fires and other damage.<\/p>\n\n<p>The great majority of forests are freely accessible, but not in the least wild. They are usually<strong> properties used for forestry<\/strong>, belonging to cities, states, municipalities, or private individuals. Even permission from the property owner does not always mean that you are given carte blanche, because restrictions also apply to private properties \u2013 especially when they are near a forest. When in doubt, it\u2019s better to just leave fire out of the picture&#8230;<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Environmental aspects<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40150\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Stockbrot.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Stockbrot.jpg\" alt=\"Bread on stick over fire\" width=\"350\" height=\"262\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Before annoying residents or other campers with your smoke, you can invite them to share some campfire twist bread. Who could turn that down? \ud83d\ude09<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Even though the millions of grill aficionados don\u2019t like to hear it: every fire produces <strong>air pollution<\/strong>. Therefore, you should always ask yourself whether your grill or campfire is really appropriate \u2013 regardless of the legalities.<\/p>\n\n<p>You should also consider <strong>residents or other outdoor lovers<\/strong> who might be bothered by your smoke. Maybe you can get them on board by inviting them to share some campfire twist bread.<\/p>\n\n<p>Even when fire is permitted, it doesn\u2019t mean you can just toss any flammable materials you want into the fire. Normally <strong>only dry, untreated wood<\/strong> or charcoal should be burnt. Wet material will result in excessive smoke development. Treated material (such as painted wood) is harmful to the environment and your health.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The legal situation in Switzerland and Austria<\/h3>\n\n<p>For Alpine Trekkers, the <strong>legal situation in the Alps<\/strong> is obviously also of interest. So what do Germany\u2019s southern neighbours have to say on the topic of fire? The Swiss put a certain amount of trust in people\u2019s common sense when it comes to nature, so they take a <strong>liberal stance<\/strong> on the issue:<\/p>\n\n<p>&#8220;<em>At the federal level, there is no law that would generally prohibit building a fire in the outdoors\u201d, Rebekka Reichlin from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment explained to the Swiss <a href=\"https:\/\/www.srf.ch\/sendungen\/kassensturz-espresso\/services\/interaktiv\/espresso-aha\/wo-ist-feuer-machen-im-wald-ueberall-erlaubt\">consumer magazine \u201cEspresso\u201d<\/a>, which is published by the broadcaster Radio SRF 1.\u201cThere is no explicit prohibition of fire in the Swiss legislation regarding forests, hunting, or natural conservation. That means that, in principle, building a fire is permitted.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p>That\u2019s good news for fans of grilling and fires in <strong>Switzerland<\/strong>. However, this doesn\u2019t mean that you can just light up anywhere you want; there are very definitely regional and temporary prohibitions. Most of these are due to the wildfire risk. According to research by the SRF, there are at least <strong>500 official fire pits<\/strong> that often offer a luxurious infrastructure (including free firewood)!<\/p>\n\n<p>The situation in <strong>Austria<\/strong> is similar to that in Germany. Here, too, it can generally be assumed that fire is prohibited in the forest. When in non-forest areas, it is a good idea to inquire with the responsible municipality to stay safe.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparation<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The right place for a fire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40148\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Lagerfeuer.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Lagerfeuer.jpg\" alt=\"Campfire at night\" width=\"350\" height=\"262\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fire\u2019s can\u2019t be lit just anywhere. It\u2019s important to pay attention to the legalities!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fortunately, there is more to life in the outdoors than just prohibitions. Outside of protected areas, you\u2019re certainly free to ask the responsible <strong>forestry authority for permission<\/strong>. According to \u201cSacki\u201d Sackmann, experienced bushcrafters have a success rate of about <strong>50%<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Other than that, the question of where to find a suitable and \u201creally, definitely permitted\u201d spot for a fire almost answers itself: use designated <strong>grill areas and fire pits<\/strong>, which are usually marked in walking maps or with signs in the local area. You can also sometimes find a list of official fire pits on the website of the local tourism association. Google Maps will occasionally show these locations if you search for \u201cfire pit\u201d, \u201cgrill area\u201d or similar.<\/p>\n\n<p>&#8220;Out in the open&#8221; you should avoid building a fire within the forest itself. If it must be <strong>in the forest<\/strong>, choose the most open area available, such as a clearing.<\/p>\n\n<p>Furthermore, you should not only be aware of the fire risk posed by smouldering coals and flying sparks, but also avoid leaving an unattractive hole in the ground vegetation. For this reason, you should use <strong>existing fire pits<\/strong> whenever possible. In general, <strong>sand, gravel, rock, and mineral surfaces<\/strong> are the best choices. It is also easiest to remove traces of the fire from these surfaces.<\/p>\n\n<p>If no such surface is available, you should <strong>dig out the soil<\/strong> and carefully replace it before leaving the fire pit. A robust knife or a folding spade is ideal here. <strong>But be careful<\/strong>: on peat, moorlands, and marshlands, organic material can smoulder unnoticed underground long after the fire has been put out, which can cause fires!<\/p>\n\n<p>It goes without saying that the fire should be built at an appropriate distance and downwind from any flammable objects such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/s\/tent\/\">tent<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What else do I need to look out for in preparation?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40155\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen.jpg\" alt=\"Hand poking fire with branch\" width=\"350\" height=\"261\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Always to hand: a steady supply of fuel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Some outdoor enthusiasts build fires that are much too large. Not only do these burn more material than necessary; they are also harder to regulate. Especially when cooking, it doesn\u2019t do any good if the fire heats a huge area but you can hardly touch the pots or pans.<\/p>\n\n<p>When the <strong>right size<\/strong> has been determined, you should clear any leaves, moss or other organic materials within approximately a one-metre radius <strong>around the fire area<\/strong>. This also applies to any damp materials that could catch fire after the moisture has evaporated.<\/p>\n\n<p>Before lighting the fire, you should also have plenty of tinder and <strong>firewood<\/strong> in various sizes close <strong>at hand<\/strong> for getting the fire started and for burning. Frantically gathering it up just before the fire goes out is counterproductive. We will cover tinder and kindling in a following article, which will discuss the right way to start a fire.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fuel<\/h3>\n\n<p>As already mentioned, only <strong>dry wood<\/strong> and <strong>charcoal<\/strong> should be used for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/gaskartuschen-brennstoffe\/\">fuel<\/a>. <strong>Straw and brushwood<\/strong> (thin, dry twigs) are suitable only for use as tinder because they burn so quickly, produce a great deal of smoke, and come with a high risk of flying sparks.<\/p>\n\n<p>Burning <strong>green waste or garden waste<\/strong> is generally prohibited due to the poor flammability and, most importantly, due to the environmentally harmful smoke production. Its use can result in heavy fines.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which wood for which fire?<\/h4>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40146\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Holzarten.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Holzarten.jpg\" alt=\"Stack of wood\" width=\"350\" height=\"263\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It\u2019s helpful to acquire some basic knowledge of the different types of wood and their properties.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>What is the purpose of the fire? Should it burn hot and fast to boil a pot of soup or water for tea? Or should it last longer and burn evenly in order to grill or simmer something? <strong>Basic knowledge of the different types of wood<\/strong> and their characteristics is extremely helpful, even if you won\u2019t always find the right wood in the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n<p>The first principle is to use only <strong>deadwood<\/strong> rather than taking \u201climbs\u201d from living trees. Deadwood that is still standing (or hanging) is ideal. Wood found lying on the ground can also be used, but this tends to smoulder rather than burn due to the moisture content. But when the fire is really burning, damp wood can be dried next to the fire to some extent and then added to the flames.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Living wood<\/h4>\n\n<p><strong>Living wood<\/strong> is known as \u201cgreen wood\u201d in specialty terms. Because of its high <strong>resin content<\/strong>, it produces a great deal of smoke and sparks when burning. This is especially true of coniferous woods. They are relatively soft, burn easily, and produce a lot of heat, but they create much more smoke and sparks than they do embers. Pinecones can be used to help with this issue, as they smoulder brilliantly.<\/p>\n\n<p>Wood from <strong>deciduous trees such as beech or oak<\/strong> is more difficult to light than coniferous wood, but it burns longer, produces longer-lasting embers, and creates less smoke and sparks.<\/p>\n\n<p>What\u2019s to do when there are <strong>no trees in the area<\/strong>? Then you can use material from bushes and shrubs or driftwood from beaches and riverbanks. However, the latter is very dry and burns accordingly hot and fast. In emergencies, grass, moss and reeds could also be used; they should ideally be tightly compacted before use. Other emergency solutions are peat and dried animal excrement.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Fire accelerators<\/strong> such as spirit alcohol or petrol are a <strong>bad \u2013 and sometimes deadly \u2013 idea!<\/strong> Aside from the fact that the fire could get out of control, there is also the risk of a flashback while pouring or spraying the accelerator \u2013 meaning that the flames suddenly leap out at you.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wind, rain, snow: fire in difficult circumstances<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40139\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Feuer-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Feuer-2.jpg\" alt=\"Pot on fire\" width=\"350\" height=\"267\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If there is moisture or snow on the ground, a fire bowl or other base should be used. Alternatively, the fire can be built in a pit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>In case of<\/strong> <strong>moisture or snow<\/strong>, you\u2019ll need a fire bowl or other base (such as sand, gravel, rocks, damp greenwood) because the fire could otherwise sink down and extinguish itself in a puddle. If wood is used as a base, twigs and branches that are as similarly shaped as possible should be placed close next to each other like a barbecue rack.<\/p>\n\n<p>If there is <strong>strong wind<\/strong>, the fire should be protected by a fallen log, a wall made of rocks, or other available materials. However, because fire needs oxygen, it should not be constricted by insufficient airflow. Instead of building a wall, you can also build the fire in a pit\u2013 we\u2019ll cover more about that and different types of fire in the next article.<\/p>\n\n<p>If it\u2019s <strong>raining<\/strong>, the lower branches of coniferous trees are usually fairly well protected. If you remove the outer layers of spruce or pine branches with a knife, you\u2019ll get firewood that is still relatively dry even in wet weather.<\/p>\n\n<p>Last but not least: <strong>use caution with wet or icy rocks<\/strong>! They often have water in the pores and cracks that increases in volume as it turns to steam. This can create so much pressure that it causes the rock to explode, turning it into a dangerous projectile! This risk can be decreased by heating the rocks very slowly.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lighting the fire and keeping it burning<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40136\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-2.jpg\" alt=\"Woman blows into the fire\" width=\"350\" height=\"265\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>We have already looked into the legal situation and prepared everything to the point that we have found a fireplace and the tinder is ready. Thin pieces of wood are at hand to get the fire started, as well as long-burning, thicker branches and pieces of wood. The fire will be built up bit by bit using different sizes of fuel. At first, only the smallest pieces of plant matter and wood burn. As the heat increases, larger and larger pieces can be added.<\/p>\n\n<p>But first, a flame or ignition spark needs to make its way to the tinder so that it begins to glow hot and can spark the first flames. You can achieve this with many different methods and techniques. For the following selection, I\u2019m drawing on some personal experience in addition to the online research, and I also read some literature on the subject\u2013 mostly the (generally highly recommendable) books <em>Outdoor Praxis<\/em> by Rainer H\u00f6h [translated: Outdoor Experience, available only in German] and the book <em>Living Wild<\/em> by Bear Grylls.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zunder-herstellen-und-aufschichten\">Making and stacking tinder<\/h3>\n\n<p>Pretty much everyone knows that you can\u2019t build a fire by just setting a log on fire. You first need to ignite <strong>small pieces<\/strong> of fine, loose, dry material. This is called tinder, and it can be lit using only sparks. Many <strong>full-blooded bushcrafters<\/strong> carry some with them at all times.<\/p>\n\n<p>As already mentioned in the previous article about fire, any <strong>dry, dead plant material<\/strong> can be used as tinder. Even certain <strong>fungi<\/strong>, such as the tinder fungus often found on old or ailing deciduous trees, can be used to ignite a fire. It was named after this special quality.<\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>resin<\/strong> from many types of trees (especially pine) and even old orange peels can also be used as natural tinder.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Birkenrinde.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Birkenrinde-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Birch bark\" class=\"wp-image-40175\" width=\"349\" height=\"262\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nature offers all kinds of different materials that can be used as tinder. For example, birch bark can be used in an emergency.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Birch bark<\/strong> is a particularly versatile and commonly available type of tinder. It can catch fire even in strong winds, without being dried. In fact, if it gets wet it can quickly be wiped dry and still lights easily. Whenever possible, only dead bark should be collected; in an emergency, you can also tear off small pieces of bark without damaging the tree. Other types of bark and wood can also be used \u2013 use a knife to shave off fine splinters and curly wood shavings that will ignite easily.<\/p>\n\n<p>In addition to the natural materials, <strong>newspaper and shreds of paper<\/strong> are also suitable, as well as any other material that can be cut up or ground.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zunderpyramide\"><strong>Tinder pyramid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p>There are many ways of getting tinder to burn. The traditional method is to <strong>pile it into a pyramid<\/strong>, which should be 10-20 cm high. If it\u2019s too small, it will most likely go out again after igniting. If it is too big and too tightly compressed, the material won\u2019t get enough oxygen to burn.<\/p>\n\n<p>A few small twigs or bits of wood should then be stacked over the tinder pyramid in the <strong>shape of a tepee<\/strong>. It is important to leave a <strong>gap<\/strong> so that the flame or the sparks can still reach the tinder.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-anzunden-grundsatzliches\">Lighting the fire &#8211; basic principles<\/h3>\n\n<p>No matter which method you use, one basic principle applies: if you are producing lots of smoke but hardly any flames, you need to increase the oxygen supply by <strong>blowing gently (or not so gently)<\/strong>. As we all know, heat and fire move upwards, so the match\/lighter should be held at the <strong>bottom<\/strong> of the tinder pile \u2013 not the top. Sparks should also be aimed towards the bottom of the pile. The same goes for blowing on the glowing tinder: blowing at the top of the tinder pile can cause the embers to go out.<\/p>\n\n<p>You should always light the fire <strong>from the windward side<\/strong>. You can use your hand to protect the flame from the wind. An even better option is to have a second person as a helper. They can use their hands, their whole body, a jacket, or a tarpaulin to protect the fire from wind and moisture.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-anzunden-mit-feuerzeug-oder-streichholz\">Lighting the fire with a lighter or match<\/h3>\n\n<p>A lighter is the simplest and easiest way to start a fire. The many other \u201cnon-technical\u201d methods tend to fail at the most inopportune times, especially for <strong>beginners<\/strong>. And fire-novices are often surprised to find that the first few attempts take far longer than expected and require unbelievable amounts of tinder. But as the saying goes: practice makes perfect.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>When it is wet or windy<\/strong>, it can be tricky enough even with matches or standard lighters. In these kinds of situations, stormproof lighters, stormproof matches, or strike anywhere matches can be helpful. Strike anywhere matches will light not only on the rough surface of the matchbox, but on many other surfaces as well. If there is a risk that the burning material could be blown away, and there is no way to block the wind, then you\u2019ll have to do without the fire!<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Matches \u2013 the old-school option<\/h4>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Streichholz-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Streichholz-2.jpg\" alt=\"Lighter with flame\" width=\"350\" height=\"263\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matches can be protected from moisture with a wax coating.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>It\u2019s not a bad idea to keep close watch over your stash of lighters and have a few emergency matches packed in a waterproof case. The <strong>advantage of matches<\/strong> over lighters is that you can position them more precisely and closer to the tinder pile without immediately burning your fingers. One of the disadvantages is that they are susceptible to moisture. But there\u2019s an old <strong>boy scout trick<\/strong> to help with this: before your next trip, just dip the match heads in liquefied candle wax to waterproof them. You can easily scratch the wax off when you\u2019re ready to use them.<\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>advantage of adjustable gas lighters<\/strong> or, even better, refillable stormproof lighters, is that you have a hand free while starting the fire. They also keep burning until the tinder ignites, instead of just until the match goes out or burns your fingers. Additionally, the flint in the lighter itself dries completely if the lighter falls into the water.<\/p>\n\n<p>But if you really want to do things the <strong>stylishly stone-aged<\/strong> way, you\u2019ll get rid of your lighter and matches and use the following techniques instead.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-die-alternativen\">The alternatives<\/h3>\n\n<p>If you\u2019re curious and eager to experiment, you\u2019ll have fun with the following \u201ctrick\u201d techniques \u2013 as long as it isn\u2019t a survival situation where the fire absolutely needs to be lit&#8230;<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-brennglas\"><strong>Magnifying glass<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p>This technique <strong>takes the least effort<\/strong> and <strong>gives the quickest results<\/strong> \u2013 at least, as long as the sun is burning down from a cloudless sky. Hold a magnifying glass or other <strong>glass lens<\/strong> (binoculars, the bottom of a bottle, etc.) over the tinder so that the sunlight is concentrated into the narrowest beam possible and aimed at the tinder. The heat is often sufficient to make the material smoulder after a short time. A few puffs of breath are usually needed to turn the smoke into a flame. Tip: the light will be even more concentrated if you wet the lens.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-feuer-schlagen-anzunden-mit-feuerstahl-feuerstein-und-co\"><strong>Striking a fire: lighting a fire with fire steel, flint, etc.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p><strong>Fire steel<\/strong> usually refers to the rough, rounded sticks sold in outdoor shops. They typically have a plastic grip and are attached with a cord to a small metal plate. If you rub the metal plate over the stick, it produces a host of sparks that fly in whatever direction the stick is being held in. It\u2019s a very reliable fire starter, but it can take quite a while for the sparks to get the tinder smouldering.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Feuerzeug.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Feuerzeug.jpg\" alt=\"Lighter with flame\" width=\"350\" height=\"261\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Almost anyone can light a fire with a lighter. But what about a magnifying glass, fire steel, etc.?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>strong&gt;Flint stands out because it is particularly hard and has a glass-like consistency. These properties means that it can send a shower of glowing steel sparks flying. The more carbon the steel contains, the better this works. As with the other techniques, you aim the shower of sparks towards the tinder until it begins to smoulder.<\/p>\n\n<p>You\u2019ll generally need to <strong>bring<\/strong> flint with you. The odds that you\u2019ll just happen to find a suitable stone nearby are, in many areas, not much better than of finding a lighter just lying around. The website <a href=\"http:\/\/www.flintsource.net\/nav\/frm_mapflint.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flintsource.net<\/a> offers a<strong> map<\/strong> with an overview of possible source locations in Europe. You can see that there are indeed many possible sources of flint, but none to be found far and wide in Germany and the alpine areas.<\/p>\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can strike flint against other mineral rocks such as <strong>quartz<\/strong>. Striking a <strong>knife against a normal stone<\/strong> can also create a shower of sparks.<\/p>\n\n<p>A <strong>charred piece of cotton material<\/strong> makes striking fire somewhat easier. The brilliant thing about this highly flammable material is that it \u201ccatches\u201d small sparks and lets them smoulder. Learn more about this, and about other types of material to strike together, in this nicely illustrated <a href=\"https:\/\/de.wikihow.com\/Ohne-Streichh%C3%B6lzer-und-Feuerzeug-ein-Feuer-entfachen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Wikihow article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-feuerbohren\"><strong>Drilling for fire<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p>The advantage of <strong>drilling for fire<\/strong> is that you don\u2019t need to bring any special supplies with you. True, you need a knife, but you\u2019ll have that on most trips anyway. Aside from that, you\u2019ll just need a board made of the softest wood you can find, and a stick, which should be out of the hardest wood you can find. It needs to have a diameter of around one centimetre. You\u2019ll use the knife to sharpen the stick and cut a notch in the wooden board to hold the stick. The stick is then rotated back and forth as quickly as possible while holding the sharp end in the notch.<\/p>\n\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mwS0CMhyaHQ\">YouTube tutorial<\/a> shows how the <strong>bow drill technique<\/strong> works without needing to bring along any special supplies (aside from the knife). For the bow drill technique, the wooden stick is wrapped in a bow string. By pulling the bow back and forth, the stick can be rotated much more rapidly and \u201chotter\u201d than by spinning it back and forth in your hands.<\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>bow string<\/strong> can be made with a shoelace, which you use to hold a branch at tension. But not only is this procedure time-consuming, it\u2019s also a lot of work.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to learn more interesting and unusual methods, such as the battery \/ steel wool method, you\u2019ll find them in the <a href=\"https:\/\/de.wikihow.com\/Ohne-Streichh&#xF6;lzer-und-Feuerzeug-ein-Feuer-entfachen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Wiki How<\/a> article that was mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-das-feuer-am-leben-halten\">Keeping the fire alive<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Waerme.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Waerme.jpg\" alt=\"Woman warms herself by the fire\" width=\"350\" height=\"262\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Once the fire is lit, the next step is to keep it burning for a long time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>After 5 to 10 minutes, once the tinder ignites the smaller twigs and you have a stable flame with sufficient heat, you can slowly add the thicker, more solid material to the fire. When you have enough heat and a blazing fire, even rough logs and thick branches can be added without a problem.<\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>tepee<\/strong>, which was described previously, is the traditional way to build a stable fire:  build a \u201ctent\u201d over the pile of tinder using sticks that are no more than finger-width in diameter. The tepee needs to be stacked loosely enough to allow sufficient airflow. And don&#8217;t forget: you should lay as much fuel as possible next to the fire in advance and slowly add it to the fire.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>For a<\/strong> <strong>long-lasting fire<\/strong>, thicker and thinner sticks\/branches should be mixed together. Large branches that are too thick or placed too close to each other can restrict the airflow and strangle the fire. On the other hand, the fuel shouldn\u2019t be piled too loosely; this would prevent it from developing enough heat.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which fire for which purpose?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The many different \u201csub-species\u201d of fire differ mostly in how much heat they produce, how long they burn, and in which direction the heat is given off. Aside from that, of course, there\u2019s the ideal purpose of a campfire, for example as \u201c<em>mood lighting for just the right ambience or a cosy gathering place for conversations, singing, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scout-o-wiki.de\/index.php?title=Lagerfeuer\">even dancing<\/a><\/em>\u201c.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cooking, heating, relaxing<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40219\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Waerme-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Waerme-1.jpg\" alt=\"Man drinks from cup outside\" width=\"350\" height=\"267\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For cooking or for warmth?<br\/>The type of fire depends on its purpose.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Campfires can generally be divided into two categories, depending on the <strong>purpose of the fire<\/strong>: there are <strong>fires for cooking<\/strong> and <strong>fires for warmth<\/strong>. In either case, you shouldn\u2019t just randomly pile on the wood; follow the instruction provided below to create the type of fire you need. If you just want to chill around the campfire, though, this isn\u2019t absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Cooking fires<\/strong> should generally be kept very small if you only want to cook with a single pot or pan. If you want to use more than one pot or pan, you can stretch the pile of fuel out to make a somewhat longer shape. Alternatively, you could light two or more small cooking fires.<\/p>\n\n<p>There are many different means of hanging or placing pots\/pans over the fire; your own creativity is the only limit. One option is to use rocks and (preferably wet) branches. You should also consider whether you\u2019ll need some sort of a lever construction to control the distance to the flames, or if setting the pot directly in the embers and flames will do the trick.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Fires for warmth<\/strong> don\u2019t need to be enormous, either. It\u2019s better to use them effectively by moving in closer and creating <strong>reflective areas<\/strong> for the heat. A rock or steep bank directly behind your back is ideal.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40214\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Reflektorfeuer.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Reflektorfeuer.jpg\" alt=\"A couple builds a fire by a tent\" width=\"350\" height=\"265\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A well-built reflector fire can burn for a long time \u2013 but only if there is no fire risk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Alternatively, you can create a reflective area with a tarpaulin or, better yet, with an aluminium blanket (emergency blanket). The reflector also offers good wind protection in many cases.<\/p>\n\n<p>A well-built <strong>reflector fire<\/strong> can give off heat for such a long time that you can even catch a little shuteye without constantly needing to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/gaskartuschen-brennstoffe\/\">refuel<\/a> the fire. However, if you\u2019re in the forest or if there is a fire risk, the fire should either be extinguished overnight or monitored continuously.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stars, crosses, pyramids: the most important types of fire<\/h3>\n\n<p>For the <strong>star campfire<\/strong>, branches are laid out in a star shape around the central fire and pushed into the flames as they burn. This type of fire concentrates the flames and heat in a small area, which has the advantage of using the fuel sparingly and efficiently. You can create an improvised cooktop by placing rocks between the branches. The <strong>relatively low heat<\/strong> is directed upwards in a star campfire.<\/p>\n\n<p>To develop <strong>more heat on the sides<\/strong>, you would need to stack the fuel higher rather than spreading it out wide. This turns the star campfire into a <strong>pyramid fire<\/strong>, which is the classic all-purpose campfire. You just have to make sure that the pyramid has a <strong>stable base<\/strong> and doesn\u2019t collapse. When adding more fuel to the fire, make sure that the wood doesn\u2019t tilt outwards.<\/p>\n\n<p>The star campfire also works if additional fuel is added in the shape of a cross, which is why this type of fire is sometimes called a <strong>cross fire<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Sometimes, though, a \u201c<strong>cross fire<\/strong>\u201d can also refer to a hunter fire. This burns slowly and with moderate heat. To create a hunter fire, you create two rails by laying two large logs or thick branches parallel to each other. It\u2019s best if these are hardwood. Then pile sticks and branches across them.<\/p>\n\n<p>A <strong>log cabin fire<\/strong> is built much like a hunter fire, but the hardwood sticks and branches are placed in multiple layers both perpendicular and parallel to the two logs, which should lay next to each other. It\u2019s fine if the logs are green or damp, because this fire should create a long-lasting heat that radiates in all directions. The embers develop slowly, which makes the fire suitable for both heating and slow cooking.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40210\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Kreuzfeuer-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Kreuzfeuer-2.jpg\" alt=\"Log cabin fire\" width=\"350\" height=\"271\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Star, cross, or pyramid? Which type of fire is best for which purpose?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The log cabin fire is particularly long-lasting when you build it up into the slightly more complex <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scout-o-wiki.de\/index.php?title=Lagerfeuer\"><strong>platform or upside-down fire<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other forms<\/h4>\n\n<p>A <strong>reflector fire<\/strong> is for staying warm, and should direct the heat in one particular direction. For this fire, two solid wood stakes (as inflammable as possible) are placed in the ground at an angle. On these \u201crails,\u201d logs and branches are layered as fuel, creating a slanted surface. The fire is lit on the side of the slant that faces upwards \u2013 to light it, lean tinder and small pieces of fuel against the surface. This causes most of the heat to be distributed upwards towards the side with the tinder and out to the sides. Fresh fuel is laid on top and burns when it reaches the bottom.<\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>pit fire<\/strong> is a good choice when it is windy or if you need to cook a meal for a very long time. Flying sparks can be contained quite impressively by a pit fire. For this type of fire, dry branches of various sizes are stacked along the round wall of the pit. Rocks are laid on the ground to improve airflow. The pit fire is relatively hard to light and heat is concentrated upwards. That isn\u2019t very helpful as far as heating goes, but it does let you position reflective surfaces (which can also serve as additional wind shields) very close to the fire where they can do their job more effectively.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safely extinguishing a campfire<\/h2>\n\n<p>Perhaps the most important rule of all is: don\u2019t leave the campfire until the <strong>last spark is extinguished<\/strong>! Why? Because a single spark could be enough to start a <strong>forest or brush fire<\/strong> if the wind carries it to a flammable material somewhere nearby.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"attachment_40217\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Waldbrand.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Feuer-machen-Waldbrand.jpg\" alt=\"Smoking in the forest\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Even the smallest spark can start a forest or brush fire. That\u2019s why you need to make sure that the fire is really, really extinguished.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>But if everything goes well, it\u2019s actually quite a simple task. The fire goes out when <strong>no additional fuel is added<\/strong>. But with thick logs, that can take quite a while, which is why you might want to put them out with water, dirt, sand, or something similar. The fire won\u2019t go out until it is completely <strong>out of \u201cfood\u201d<\/strong> in the form of fuel. As long as even the smallest leftover bits remain, a tiny bit of <strong>oxygen<\/strong> can be enough to create a glowing ember or a spark.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The safe option<\/h3>\n\n<p>The safest bet is to have some kind of <strong>extinguisher<\/strong>, such as water, dirt, sand or a fire blanket, at arm\u2019s reach of the fire from the very start. Alternatively, a well-filled bladder can also serve as an extinguisher \u2013 peeing on the fire is a favourite trick, at least for men. Whether or not that\u2019s in good taste is something you\u2019re welcome to discuss in the comments.<\/p>\n\n<p>Once the fire is out, you can check for hidden embers by <strong>stirring the ashes with a stick<\/strong>. At this point, you should also check to see if there is any <strong>smoke<\/strong> rising.<\/p>\n\n<p>Finally, you should do a <strong>heat test<\/strong> by holding your hand close to the fuel to check for residual heat. If necessary, mix water or an extinguishing material into the pile again, stir it around again with the stick and check once more. Don\u2019t leave the fire pit until you are sure that you can\u2019t see or feel anything. And, of course, you should also leave the area looking just as it did when you found it \u2013 or even a bit cleaner&#8230;<\/p>\n\n<p>In any case, we hope that we\u2019ve explained everything you need to know about building a fire in this three-part series. If you have any other \u201cburning\u201d questions, you\u2019re welcome to ask them in the comments!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we talk about \u201cbuilding a fire\u201d, we generally refer to an \u201copen fire\u201d \u2013 not a fire in a stove, fireplace, or oven. To put it more simply: a fire is \u201copen\u201d when it is not lit in a closed combustion chamber. A campfire is therefore an open fire. However, fire pits, hobo stoves, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":85266,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[211],"tags":[185,27],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-98537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-tos","tag-camping-travel","tag-hiking-trekking"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Making fire \u2013 a detailed step-by-step guide | Alpinetrek.co.uk<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When we talk about \u201cbuilding a fire\u201d, we generally refer to an \u201copen fire\u201d \u2013 not a fire in a stove, fireplace, or oven. 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