Tinder and Kindling Basics for Creating a Campfire

Campfire
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Thomas “Tom” Stefkovich is a Milford, Nebraska, entrepreneur who leads maintenance activities at Roth Aerial Spraying, Inc., with a focus on the proper functioning of aircraft. One of Thomas Stefkovich’s favorite activities away from work is camping and enjoying an off-the-grid existence for a few days.

A foundational camping skill is creating a roaring campfire that is the right size for your group and safe for the surrounding nature. The first ingredient needed to start a good fire is tinder, which in its simplest form can simply be dried bark from dead trees. Alternatively, you can purchase tinder kits, such as those made from pine resin, which are able to burn when wet. Combined with stormproof matches, they present a surefire way to get a spark and consistent flame going. 

The second element needed for starting a fire is kindling, which is combustible twigs, branches, and wood shaved from larger logs. The best strategy is to place kindling around the tinder at first, and then add large outer logs in the same pattern as the kindling catches fire. In windy situations, a mini-teepee arrangement can be combined with a lean-to created from larger logs and sticks, which creates a windbreak and nurtures the fire until it is large enough to withstand the elements on its own.