Fires
and campfires
Never use porous or wet rocks around your fire. They may explode, and do more than just put out
your warmth!
This month we
look at the proper way to set up fires in camp, and good ways to set them up
while in the frontiers.
In a few of the old tales, the Rendezvouer may be found frozen like a statue.
Mostly these would have been the tenderfeet, but even some of the wiser
folk could get caught without a way to stay warm.
Depending on your situation, a fire may prove very difficult to construct.
As a trapper, you already know which rocks are too wet or porous to use.
As a responsible, sentient, and conscientious rendezvouer you should
clear a three-foot ring of ground to prevent the spread of fire.
If time permits, a firewall would be a wise investment to maintain and reflect
the heat. It also helps in reducing
the sparks and the amount of wind blowing on the fire.
At some points it pays to build a Dakota fire hole. (See figure TB1)
To accomplish this, dig a hole in the ground; then on the upwind side of
the hole drill a hole for ventilation. This
is adequate for heating in a teepee-type environment. It conceals the fire
and serves well as a good place for food preparation.
However, the main purpose for this article was for those of you who are in the
deep woods and running out of time...especially with snow on the way.
Use green logs to create a dry base for your fire. The trees with
approximately wrist-sized trunks break quickly in extreme cold.
It is wise to use at least two or three layers placed in opposite
directions on top of each other as your base.
On the top of your pyramid, place some tinder, kindling next to it, and
then fuel where it will at least stay dry.
I use various tinder for fire starting, but I think the old firr stick I learned
about in the Boy Scouts is still the best.
Amongst the varieties of tinder are birch bark, fine wood shavings,
straw, and dead evergreen needles. Lint
(Yes lint--check those old pockets you will find some--no matter what!),
gunpowder, and fibers from other cloth or paper are also very good tinder.
The kindling should all be dry.
Amongst these are small twigs strips of wood, and wood that has been soaked or
doused with a flammable material.
The fuel is usually the easiest to find, and can be dry standing wood, dry
insides of fallen tree trunks, dried animal fats (and dung) and even coal on the
surface.
Light your fire by making a tinder bundle.
Light your pyrotechnic and apply the flame to the bundle and hold it
slightly downward. As the tinder catches, turn the bundle in your hand until it
is burning well. Light the tinder /
kindling of your fire lay.
If you are in the woods you will most likely have your rifle which can supply
you with a flint spark, you may have flint and steel, or you may makeshift a
metal match.
The old bow and drill method is truly your last resort.
If you do get a flame going try to save it at all cost. Keeping a candle handy or other tallow-type product may help
start the fire if something should accidentally put it out.
Remember-- never build your fire under a tree during a snow. If the snow falls from the limbs, your fire will most
certainly be smothered out.
Be careful in the woods, and good trapping!
