How do you start a fire? That is the burning question many new campers and those re-discovering the pasttime ask us once they arrive at our campground.

Some people are dusting off their old camping gear. Others purchased their first RV. Still others are leaving their homes for a cabin or motel room closer to nature since COVID-19 has kept them indoors far too long. As campground owners, all of this is exciting.

One scenario keeps playing out. A young to middle age couple donning masks come in our combination store and office to check in for their stay. They excitedly order firewood, pick up a fire starter and discuss whether or not they remembered to pack matches or a lighter. A s’mores kit is often another purchase. The couple happily anticipate reliving their childhood memories of roasting marshmallows and smashing them in between graham crackers and chocolate to create the ooiest and gooiest of treats. Then, just as they are about to leave, they turn to me and ask, “So how do you start a fire?”

Here’s How

I give them the simplest explanation I can:

1. Use the firestarter as your tinder.
2. Add kindling, which are small pieces of wood, over the firestarter in a teepee shape.
3. Light the tinder in more than one place.
4. As the kindling catches, add a few more pieces of small wood.
5. Finally, place larger pieces of wood over the kindling keeping the teepee shape intact.
6. Add larger pieces of wood remembering to keep them spaced to maximize oxygen flow.

If they give me the time before they head to their site, I let them know that wood shavings or paper can be used for tinder if they don’t want to buy a firestarter. For kindling, there may be some small pieces in the bundle of firewood. If not, a sharp knife can be used to carefully carve some pieces off of a larger log. You can also pick up sticks or bark from the ground to use. Please do not pull branches or bark off of live trees for kindling.

Important Safety Notes

1. Do not use lighter fluid or gasoline to start a fire. The fire can travel up the stream of liquid and severally burn you.
2. Either have a bucket of water handy or make sure you can get water on the fire quickly if it burns outside of the fire ring.
3. Make sure to extinguish your fire completely when you are done with it. I’ve found fires that have re-ignited after campers left thinking they put their fire out.
4. If you’re staying with us, feel free to call on Charles or Jen for assistance if you’re having trouble getting your fire going.

These simple instructions on how to start a fire have allowed people to enjoy an evening around the campfire talking, laughing, singing and marveling at the night sky. 

More Resources

For those of you who would like a more detailed explanation of fire building tips and tricks, here are some additional resources:

Reserve America Article

50 Campfires Article and Video

Total Outdoorsman Video

Build a Long-Lasting Campfire Video by Kenneth Kramm