How do YOU start your campfire?

I build a layered matrix of rows of kindling starting with some waxed fire starters and ending with some bigger pieces on top then a 'teepee' of wood surrounding that. light up the fire starters and enjoy.

Ever see a gas fired wood burning fireplace (Where the gas burners sit below genuine wood logs and you turn on the gas, light it, it lights the wood and once the wood is going good you can turn off the gas?)

Well,,, I built a gas burner that slides under the fire ring and you light the gas, it lights the logs, once the fire is going good you turn off the gas (At the tank) and remove the rod (Which is red hot) from the fire to a place it can cool. (by the way the regulator end of the pipe does not even get warm to the touch).

We camp with friends a lot. I let Rusty do it, makes him happy.

If my pocketbook (and the missus) allowed I'd have one of those fire-starters on a trailer wherever we camp! Heck, I'd even risk a double-towing ticket for the ability to light a fire in the campsite & one in my can as I click off a few 10's on the strip afterwards! The adjoining sites might object however so I'll stay with my old standby: pinecones. We have a few out here in Oregon & they never seem to fail me...

I like the first method best, but as being discussed in another thread on RV.net it is too loud :)

dave54 wrote:

TucsonJim wrote:
1/2 cup gasoline, 2 cups diesel fuel, road flare. Works every time.

When I worked for the Forest Service we used a 'poor man's napalm' to burn snow covered piles of logging slash.

a 4:1 ratio of diesel to gasoline mixed with the powdered rubber tire shavings from a local recap shop. Add enough powdered tire dust to the diesel/gas mixture to make a sticky gelatinous goo.

It burns real hot and a long time. I think you could ignite wet rocks with that stuff. The wettest frozen logging slash is not a problem.

It also makes a thick acrid black smoke that stinks bad and leaves you wearing blackface makeup if the smoke drifts your way. So it is not for any campfire you want to cook on.

Also not to be used if the local Air Quality folks are monitoring you...

I used to work in the missile business. If you add some powdered aluminum to the mix you describe above, you create poor man's rocket fuel. Very volatile, and very dangerous.

othertonka wrote:

TucsonJim wrote:
1/2 cup gasoline, 2 cups diesel fuel, road flare. Works every time.

I hope you are kidding about the gasoline, the fumes are to volatile and you could be nursing some burnt hair on your head or face if you continue. Please readers of this, don't ever use gasoline to start your campfire

Yes, sorry. I was kidding. For God's sakes people, don't use gasoline (or diesel fuel) to start a campfire. I use newspaper, kindling and the wood teepee in reality.

hedge wrote:

Halmfamily wrote:

Artum Snowbird wrote:
I pick up tiny shavings from the campfire area, light them, add bits of cut shavings and small kindling, then a bit larger and put a bigger piece on each side. By now, it's a nice kindling fire, and a few bigger pieces go in next.

If I can find a piece of pitch off a tree, that is fair too.

Like others that use fire starters.. for me, it's part of the ritual of camping. Also, it's a great skill to teach your little ones.

X2. This is the fun way to do it and as stated a great trait to teach your kids.

X3, any other method feels like cheating.

You can usually find dry tinder in the in the winter inside of hollow logs (poke a stick in there before you insert your hand. Sometimes critters will be inside).

Also practice making a fire with a flint and steel, and using a bow drill you make from sticks and wood. Shoelaces make the bowstring.

Successfully making a fire with a bow drill is not easy. First you have to find the appropriate sizes and shapes of wood, and assemble the parts. Then the technique requires practice, practice, and practice. Once your kids have it perfected, they can make a fire anytime without matches. About once per year make them do it again. A little refresher never hurts.

TucsonJim wrote:
1/2 cup gasoline, 2 cups diesel fuel, road flare. Works every time.

When I worked for the Forest Service we used a 'poor man's napalm' to burn snow covered piles of logging slash.

a 4:1 ratio of diesel to gasoline mixed with the powdered rubber tire shavings from a local recap shop. Add enough powdered tire dust to the diesel/gas mixture to make a sticky gelatinous goo.

It burns real hot and a long time. I think you could ignite wet rocks with that stuff. The wettest frozen logging slash is not a problem.

It also makes a thick acrid black smoke that stinks bad and leaves you wearing blackface makeup if the smoke drifts your way. So it is not for any campfire you want to cook on.

Also not to be used if the local Air Quality folks are monitoring you...