History and Safety of Campfires
– Burned antelope bones in South Africa confirm the presence of campfires built by early humans around 1.6 million years ago.
– The oldest known controlled fire was found in Wonderwerk Cave.
– Cooking prey over campfires dates back to the first appearance of Homo erectus.
– Safety measures include finding a suitable site, clearing debris, having water and a shovel nearby, and fully extinguishing the fire before leaving.
Types of Fuel and Construction Styles
– Types of fuel include tinder, kindling, and fuel wood.
– Construction styles include teepee and log cabin, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Fire Structures and Types
– Fire structures include hybrid fire, cross-fire, lean-to fire, rakovalkea, and Swedish torch.
– Fire types include keyhole fire, top lighter fire, Dakota smokeless pit fire, and star fire.
Benefits and Uses of Fire Structures and Types
– Hybrid fire combines benefits of easy ignition and long-lasting fire.
– Cross-fire creates coals suitable for cooking.
– Lean-to fire provides windbreak and enclosure for tinder.
– Rakovalkea warms two lean-to shelters for a whole sleeping shift.
– Swedish torch is self-feeding and has an elevated position for better visibility.
– Keyhole fire is used for creating coals and cooking.
– Top lighter fire is often built for council fires or ceremonial fires.
– Dakota smokeless pit fire is used by the military for reduced smoke and low light signature.
– Star fire is a campfire design often depicted in the old West.
– Ignition methods are used to light the fire and ensure it catches properly.
Activities, Dangers, and Extinguishing the Fire
– Activities include roasting food, using pie irons for cooking, and using elaborate grills and pots.
– Dangers include the spread of fires, ground fires, fires in trees, and falling embers.
– Extinguishing the fire involves using water, stirring ashes, or using sand to deprive the fire of oxygen. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campfire
A campfire is a fire at a campsite that provides light and warmth, and heat for cooking. It can also serve as a beacon, and an insect and predator deterrent. Established campgrounds often provide a stone or steel fire ring for safety. Campfires are a popular feature of camping. At summer camps, the word campfire often refers to an event (ceremony, get together, etc.) at which there is a fire. Some camps refer to the fire itself as a campfire.
