It’s important that you choose the safest area possible for your campfire.
Look for an area that is as sandy or rocky as possible and near sand or water in
case you need to extinguish the fire in a hurry. Also, choose a location
convenient to a supply of fuel for easy fire upkeep. The driest area possible is
recommended. Also choose a site that will be close enough to where you will be
camping to be effective.
If everywhere around you is wooded or covered in vegetation, clear away all
plant material and scrape the dirt until it is completely clear of any flammable
matter. The cleared area should be at least 3 or 4 feet in diameter to avoid
spreading the fire. Don’t build a fire up against a boulder or other large rocks
that are apart of the landscape. It will only blacken the rocks without adding
any extra protection against the spread of fire.
If you can, build a sort fire wall in the middle of the circle you cleared
with logs or grapefruit-sized rocks. This will direct the heat where you need it
most and reduce the risk of flying sparks as well as the amount of wind blowing
the fire. You need some wind to provide the needed air, but not so much that it
blows sparks beyond the cleared area. However, don’t use wet or porous rocks as
they might explode after soaking up the heat from the fire.
When you are on the trail or scouting out the perfect campsite, there are a
few questions to ask yourself:
What are the terrain and climate like, and how will they affect the fire?
What materials and tools do you have to build this fire and will their
usefulness be affected by where you build it?
How much time do you have to build your fire before it gets dark?
Occasionally, an underground fireplace will best serve you as it conceals the
fire and works well for cooking food. To build what is sometimes called a Dakota
fire hole, dig two holes—one main hole in which you will build the fire and, for
ventilation, one large connecting hole on the upwind side of the original.