Few things compare to the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire. Whether it’s for cooking, staying warm, or simply enjoying the moment outdoors, a fire adds something special to any trip.
In some situations, a fire can even be essential. At other times, it’s just as important for morale, comfort, and good food.
A campfire can be just as enjoyable on a summer evening as in the middle of winter — but it’s important to remember that there are rules about when and where you are allowed to light a fire. As long as you follow local regulations, you can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Preparation is key
Anyone who has tried to start a fire knows that good preparation makes all the difference.
Before you light your fire, take a few minutes to plan:
- Choose a safe and suitable location
- Make sure the fire gets enough airflow
- Find some shelter from strong wind
- Gather more firewood than you think you need
Having everything ready before you start will make the process much easier.
Choose the right place
Where you light your fire matters.
Avoid lighting fires directly on bare rock or cliffs, as heat can cause permanent damage and cracking.
If you’re making a fire on snow or ice, keep in mind that the heat will melt the surface underneath. This can cause the fire to sink or even extinguish itself from below.
A good spot is flat, stable, and clear of dry vegetation or materials that could catch fire.
Use the right fire-starting materials
To get your fire going, you need good kindling.
Some reliable options include:
- Dry twigs and small sticks
- Birch bark or natural tinder
- Paper
- Fire starters or tinder blocks
Make sure your kindling is dry — this is often the biggest factor in whether your fire starts easily or not.
Pick up our easy to handle fire starter here
Build your fire step by step
A simple way to build a fire is to start small and gradually increase size.
- Place your tinder in the centre
- Add small sticks in a loose structure around it
- Light the tinder and allow the small sticks to catch
- Gradually add larger pieces of wood as the fire grows
Avoid adding large logs too early, as this can smother the fire before it gets properly started.
Understand different types of wood
Not all wood burns the same way.
- Birch is easy to ignite but burns relatively quickly
- Hardwoods like oak burn longer but are harder to light
- Spruce branches can create a lot of sparks
- Pine cones produce more smoke
Using a mix of materials often gives the best result.
Use our tactical hatchet to cut wood into smaller pieces
Always stay in control
A fire should always be manageable.
Before lighting it, make sure you have a clear plan for how to extinguish it if needed. This could be water, snow, or soil.
Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it stays within a controlled area.
Extinguish the fire properly
Before leaving your campsite, always make sure the fire is completely out.
- Pour water over the embers
- Stir the ashes to remove heat pockets
- Check that everything is cold to the touch
Taking a few extra minutes here can prevent serious consequences.
Leave no trace
When you’re done, clean up the fire site.
Remove leftover materials and restore the area as much as possible. A good campsite should look untouched when you leave.
A simple skill that makes every trip better
Knowing how to start a fire is one of the most useful outdoor skills you can have.
With a bit of preparation and the right approach, it becomes easy — and it can turn an ordinary trip into something much more memorable.