How to Start a Campfire - Even in the Rain

One of the best family vacations can be a campingburning. Or, you can make your own by mixing
trip...and family camping, of course, always involves asawdust, shredded newspaper, and paraffin wax...use
campfire. Most campers seem to manage building aan egg carton for a mold, and then carry several of
campfire when the weather is clear and the woodthese in your pack.
supply is dry, but watching some people trying to build5.) Starting a Fire. Lay your fire-starter in the center of
a campfire on a rainy day is often to view futility at itsyour fire-ring, and form a small tip of your wood
maximum.splinters over it. Your fire will need to breathe, but too
So, here are some suggestions on making the job ofmuch wind will put it out, so place rocks or blocks of
starting a campfire less traumatic:wood to shield your initial fire if there is a strong wind.
1). Be Prepared. Don't go to a campground expectingAs your splinters begin to burn, add larger pieces of
wood to be provided (although some do, so be sure todry splinters. You will need to do this until there are
find out first). Also, don't expect dry trees to be lyingcoals enough to ignite larger pieces of wood.
around waiting for you. In fact, many campgrounds do6.) Keep Your Fire Small. How many times have you
not allow you to burn natural trees--neither fallen, norseen a blazing campfire where it was painful just to
standing dead. Determine where your wood supply willget close enough to roast a marshmallow? Keep your
come from, even if you have to bring it yourself.fire small, contained, and controlled.
2.) Water is Your Nemesis. Protect your wood supply7.) Rain. Regardless of the weather, if you have
while it is dry no matter where it came from. Don't letprepared properly, every thing you need to build a
a sudden afternoon shower drench your campfirecampfire will be dry and ready to go. The only other
wood.thing you will need if it is raining is a dry or semi-dry
3.) Your "Source" of Fire. It is mandatory to have aspot to get your fire started. This can be a tarp, rigged
reliable fire source, preferably matches that are easyoverhead, an outcropping of rocks, or some such. I
to use, readily at hand, and waterproof. Waterproofhave even propped one end of my canoe in the crook
matches and watertight holders are available inof a tree and started a small fire under the protection
sporting goods stores, or you can make your own byof the canoe during a rainstorm. Unless you are having
dipping wooden kitchen matches in paraffin wax anda real downpour, your fire will be fine out in the open
storing them in a small container. It is a good idea toafter you once develop a good bed of coals--as long
have everyone in your party carry a container in theiras you keep your wood supply dry.
pack. This is especially important when canoe camping.There are many other ways to start a campfire, but
4.) Kindling. This is as important as your fire source.they fall under the category of "survival," and that is a
Depending on how dry your wood supply is; youfar cry from family camping.
should be able to split off small splinters with a handSo, there you have the information on how to start a
axe--just make sure they stay dry. I suggest that youcampfire--even in the rain. The main requirement is to
buy some small fire-starters at a camping supply store.be prepared, including knowing what your source of
They will normally light directly from a match and burndry wood will be.
long enough to get small pieces of wood startedHappy camping.