When it comes to summer camping, campfires are a must. Roasting marshmallows, cooking hot dogs, and sharing stories around the fire are essential parts of the experience. But maintaining a fire can be a lot of work, constantly needing stoking and adding more fuel. Bob Hansler, an outdoorsman with a Youtube channel dedicated to survival skills, came up with a self-feeding fire design that can burn for over fourteen hours.
Self-Feeding Fire
Hansler’s design involves creating two ramps on either side of the fire pit, where logs can be stacked. As the logs burn down, they self-feed into the fire, requiring less maintenance from campers. The best part is, you can build this setup with simple materials like sturdy sticks.
Watch the video below to see how to build your own self-feeding fire:
Campfire Safety Tips
While campfires are enjoyable, safety should always be a priority. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Know the rules: Understand the fire regulations for your camping area and follow them.
- Use a pit: If available, utilize a fire pit or dig your own in a safe location.
- Put out the match: Ensure matches are fully extinguished before disposal.
- Keep water close by: Have a bucket of water and shovel nearby for emergencies.
- Watch the wind: Be mindful of wind conditions and keep flammable items away from the fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended: Always have someone watching the fire.
- Extinguish properly: Put out the fire completely before leaving the area.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your campfire safely and responsibly. Remember, better safe than sorry!
