Methods for Laying a Fire-Ranger Handbook

14-16. METHODS.

There are several methods for laying a fire for quick fire making. Three easy methods follow (Figure 14-21):

a. Tepee. Arrange tinder and a few sticks of kindling in the shape of a cone. Fire the center. As the cone burns away, the outside logs will fall inward, feeding the heart of the fire. This type of fire burns well even with wet wood.

b. Lean To. Push a green stick into the ground at a 30-degree angle. Point the end of the stick in the direction of the wind. Place some tinder (at least a handful) deep inside this lean to stick. Light the tinder. As the kindling catches fire from the tinder, add more kindling.

c. Cross Ditch. Scratch a cross about 1 foot in size in the ground. Dig the cross 3 inches deep. Put a large wad of tinder in the middle of the cross. Build a kindling pyramid above the tinder. The shallow ditch allows air to sweep under the fire to provide a draft.

Figure 14-21