Below, you will find illustrations and descriptions of the most common types of campfires. Some are used for campfire shows, some for heat, still others for cooking.
Figure 1 – Log Cabin Fire
Probably the most useful and easiest to light fire. Works good in high wind and rain. Used as a general campfire, ceremonies, etc. You can actually time this fire by the number of logs and their size. It is possible to make a 28 minute fire or 43 minute fire, etc… A small version of this is the best way to start a fire.
Figure 2 – Star Fire
This is basically one of the simplest fires to make.
Figure 3 – Trench Fire
This is the most commonly used Scout fire because it is easy to build. Build it so that the shallow end of the trench faces into the wind. This will make it burn very hotly because the air is directed into the heart of the fire.
Figure 4 – Gypsy Fire
This is an excellent fire for using a cooking pot. Stews cook very well on this type of fire and it is also useful for boiling bilious of water for hot drinks.
Figure 5 – Fire in a hole
This is very much like the Gypsy Fire, but the wood will slide downwards into the heart of the fire and help reduce the need for continually monitoring it. Very useful if there are other things to do as well as cooking because it allows you to move away for short periods of time.
Figure 6 – Lumberman’s Fire
Again this is very like the previous two fires, but the logs to either side act as wind shields and allow the air to be directed into the heart of the fire. Good for supporting cooking pots, or spit roasting.
Figure 7 – Alter Fire
This type of fire is ideal for long stay camps as it helps eliminate the-need for turf removal and low-level cooking. Watch the height you build to. It is much safer to have it too low than too high.
Figure 8 – Reflector Fire
The Back shielding on this type of fires reflects the heat forward. Very useful for directing heat into the bivouac.
Figure 9 – Backlog Fire
This fire again is useful for supporting cooking pots, but has no overhead support. The logs act as shields.
Figure 10 – Fuzz Stick
Sometimes there are not enough small twigs and sticks around to start a fire with. Resourceful Scouts will always be able to make themselves “fuzz sticks” which, because of their curls of wood, catch fire more easily than a solid stick. Something for whittling away those spare moments of ‘nothing to do’.
