PERANI PATHFINDER CLUB
FIRE BUILDING
HONOR JUNE 2, 2024
Overview
Lay out five different kinds of fires and know their uses.
Hunter's Fire
The hunter's fire is a cooking fire. The logs on top are spaced close enough together such that
a pot, pan, or Dutch oven can be placed on them. Try to lay it as flat as possible.
Uses
Traditional and Historical Uses
1. Cooking: Hunters traditionally used fire to cook their game. Roasting meat over an open
flame or on hot coals was a common practice.
2. Warmth: In cold environments, hunters relied on fire to keep warm during their
expeditions.
3. Protection: Fire could deter predators and insects, providing a safer environment for
hunters to camp.
4. Signaling: Fire was used as a signaling tool, both for communication between hunters and
for signaling for help if necessary.
Modern Uses
1. Campfires: Recreational hunters use campfires for cooking, warmth, and social gatherings
while out in the wilderness.
2. Portable Fire Pits: Modern portable fire pits, sometimes branded as "Hunter Fire" or
similar, are used by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts for a controlled and safe fire source.
3. Survival: In survival situations, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts use fire for the same
essential needs as traditional uses: cooking, warmth, protection, and signaling.
Reflector Fire
This fire can be used for baking, though it is not as efficient as a reflector oven, (which has a
metallic reflecting surface and often surrounds the item. The fire itself can be of any other
form and is placed in front of the reflector. The item to be baked is placed between the
reflector and the fire. This fire is also good for getting oneself warm. The reflector can also be
a large rock. If you sit (or sleep) between the reflector and the fire, the side of you facing the
fire will be warmed directly, while the reflector throws heat to the opposite side. Very toasty.
If making the reflector from logs, the vertical members should be driven deeply into the
ground to support the weight of the horizontal members. You can also use rocks to support
them.
Star Fire
The advantage of this fire is that the logs can be of any length, avoiding the need to cut them
up. As the ends of the logs burn, they are pushed into the fire. The fire is lit at the center of
the star. If the logs are propped up on the fire ring, gravity will feed them in as they burn.
uses
Cooking Utility
Warmth and Light
Teepee Fire
The teepee fire is probably the most recognized campfire. It is somewhat difficult to lay,
however, as getting the logs to balance against one another can be tricky. Sometimes the log
pile will topple and upset the kindling and tinder beneath, and you'll have to start again from
scratch. If necessary, you can lash them together at the top with twine (but don't use a
synthetic rope such as nylon or polypropylene). Once laid, the teepee fire is very easy to
light, as convection will take the flames right to the fuel.
Adding fuel to a teepee fire can also be challenging, as the balance problem is still there, but
it is now complicated by the presence of heat. For this reason, teepee fires often devolve into
a chaotic heap.
Uses
Effective Heat and Light
Radiant Heat: The upward shape of the fire radiates heat efficiently, making it good for
warmth in cold weather.
Bright Flame: The teepee fire produces a bright flame, providing good illumination for the
campsite.
Cooking Utility
Log Cabin Fire
The log cabin fire is easy to lay, and it is fairly stable as well. It is laid very much like a log
cabin (hence the name). It is somewhat difficult to light, though, as the fuel is off to the side
of the tinder and kindling. When it burns, it falls in on itself, confining itself to the fire ring. It is
also easy to add more fuel and maintain a neat and orderly fire.
Council Fire
Council Fire
The council fire was used by Native Americans during their meetings (or councils). It is very
much like the log cabin fire except that more than two logs are laid on each layer. Be careful
not to lay the logs too close to one another. Leave gaps of at least one inch (2.5 cm) between
each log to allow air to circulate. Like the log cabin fire, the council fire is very stable, and it
falls into itself as it burns, remaining within the fire ring. Unlike the log cabin fire, the council
fire lights easily as the main fuel is located directly above the kindling and tinder where
convection will carry the flames. This fire is hot and will make a nice bed of coals for cooking.
It also uses a lot of fuel. This fire is sometimes called a pyramid fire as well.
Reflector Fire
Hunter Fire
Star Fire Teepee fire
Council Fire
Log Cabin Fire
Correct techniques for starting a fire.
Tinder: Collect dry tinder such as leaves, grass, or commercial fire starters.
Kindling: Gather small sticks and twigs.
Fuel Logs: Collect larger logs or branches.
Contact Information
For any questions or clarifications, please reach out to the project lead:
Comrades Talents Hub
+254 715 697478
comradejustusstudios@gmail.com
