Once necessary for cooking and warmth, campfires are steeped in history and tradition. Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Campfire building is also an essential skill for every camper. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood. Moreover, wildfires continue to threaten outdoor spaces and are primarily caused by humans. We can minimize campfire impacts by keeping a few key things in mind.
The Basics:
The best place to build a fire is within an existing fire ring in an established campsite. Charcoal should also be limited to use within fire rings or freestanding grills. Keep the fire small and burning only for the time you are using it. Allow the wood to burn completely to ash. Put out fires with water, not dirt. Dirt may not completely extinguish the fire. Avoid building fires next to rock outcrops where the black scars will remain for many years.
Firewood is a common carrier of invasive species. To mitigate this risk, purchasing or legally gathering wood from the ecosystem in which the campfire will be held is best. Generally, wood sourced from within 50 miles of the final fire location will suffice, but it is always best to consult local land management agencies for guidance.
A firepan is another good alternative to a traditional campfire. Metal oil drain pans and backyard barbecue grills make effective and inexpensive fire pans. Commercially produced compact fire pans are also available at outdoor retailers to minimize campfire impacts. The pan should have at least three-inch-high sides. It should be elevated on rocks or lined with mineral soil so the heat does not scorch the ground.
Where existing fire rings are not available, mound fires may be an alternative. Construction of a mound fire can be accomplished using simple tools: a garden trowel, a large stuff sack, and a ground cloth or plastic garbage bag.
How to build this type of fire:
Collect mineral soil, sand, or gravel from an already disturbed source. The root hole of a toppled tree is one such source. Lay a ground cloth on the fire site and then spread the soil into a circular, flat-topped mound at least 3 to 5 inches thick. The thickness of the mound is critical to insulate the ground below from the heat of the fire. The ground cloth or garbage bag is important because it makes cleaning up the fire much easier. The circumference of the mound should be larger than the size of the fire to allow for the spreading of coals. The advantage of the mound fire is that it can be built on various surfaces. Anything from flat exposed rock or on an organic surface such as litter, duff, or grass.
The most important consideration when using a fire is the potential damage to the natural landscape. Before having a campfire, the following should be considered:
