bushcraft – Meadow Orchard Project

A Guide to Open Fires: Choosing the Right Fire Lay

A Guide to Open Fires: Choosing the Right Fire Lay

When building an open fire, selecting the right fire lay is crucial. Here are four popular types: Teepee, Pyramid, Lean-to, and Log Cabin. The Teepee method is ideal for quick, hot fires, while the Pyramid provides a steady, controlled burn. The Lean-to is great for windy conditions, and the Log Cabin ensures a long-lasting fire. Each method has its unique benefits depending on your environment and available materials. Consider factors like kindling, fuel wood, and airflow to maximize fire efficiency. Experimenting with these fire lays will help you optimize your open fire for cooking, warmth, and more.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Fire in our Fire Pit

In our previous post, we discussed the Fire Triangle—Heat, Oxygen, and Fuel. To make fire in practice, you need tinder, kindling, and firewood. Tinder is dry, small materials (wood shavings, grass, or paper) that catch fire easily. Kindling consists of small twigs or sticks that help the fire grow once the tinder ignites. Firewood (larger branches) keeps the fire burning. Remember, splitting wood can be satisfying, but smaller wood burns faster. Choose the right wood size depending on your fire’s purpose, and ensure a good supply of tinder and kindling to keep the flames alive.

Sustainable Outdoor Cooking and Learning Experiences

We have a large woodchipped, open area at Meadow Orchard outside of our Roundhouse. This space is idea for outdoor learning, community events and outdoor workshop activities. This area features a small firepit, parachute canopy which can used during wet weather to provide some rain protection. Picnic tables and seating are available on site andContinue reading “Sustainable Outdoor Cooking and Learning Experiences”