11 Fire-Building Styles for Every Occasion

The ability to start a fire is a fundamental survival skill, useful for everything from grilling to emergency situations.

There are different types of fires suitable for various needs. Knowing how to build each type ensures you’re never left in the cold.

1. Log Cabin Fire

This technique involves stacking logs in a criss-cross pattern, perfect when you have a lot of wood and need to cook.

Steps for a log cabin fire:

1. Dig a small trench for airflow.
2. Place two logs parallel, then cross two more on top.
3. Use smaller twigs to create a middle platform.
4. Stack tinder and kindling on this base.
5. Light it up.

2. Tepee Fire

Easy to assemble, the tepee doesn’t need much wood and ignites fast.

1. Put tinder and kindling in the center.
2. Arrange logs in a tepee shape.
3. Add smaller sticks around, leaving space for air.

3. Star Fire

Ideal for conserving wood, the star fire provides heat efficiently.

1. Place tinder and kindling at the center.
2. Set up logs in a star arrangement.
3. Light the fire and push the logs inward as they burn.

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