Having the skill to build a fire is like having insurance, you know you need it, but you hope you never have to use it for an emergency. Having matches might not help if you cannot get a fire going, so you need to know the fundamental steps of building a campfire. In order to have fire, you need three ingredients: fuel, air, and heat. You will be supplying the fuel. The air will be supplied by a breeze, or by fanning the fire. The heat will be supplied by a match. If one of these ingredients is missing, you will not be able to start the fire. The first thing needed to build a fire is something to burn. Fuel is normally wood, but can also be wood chips, bark, and even dried manure, in some cases. Start by gathering wood, but make sure it is dead wood. Green wood will not burn well, produces thick smoke and removes heat from the fire. Look for fallen branches and trees. These are called “dead falls.” When you break the branches of a “dead fall” tree, you should hear a good snap and a get a clean break. If the wood doesn’t break, but splits up the middle, forcing you to peel it apart, it’s probably not dry enough and won’t burn well. Dead falls trees are always better to work wit

Birch bark is also an excellent kindling, but removing it from the tree can damage or even kill the tree. Pine needles should be good and brown at both ends and preferably gathered from the ground. Make sure the fire is dead out before leaving it. If the fire goes out while you're asleep, you will be hard- pressed to build a new one in the dark, even if you have enough kindling to do it. When gathering wood for the campfire, make sure to select branches of all sizes. If leaving the area, even for a short time, put it out. Don't get discouraged if you need more than one match on you first few attempts. Also, try to keep the teepee as close to the foundation as possible, without disturbing it. The down-wind side will probably get going sooner. Use this frame to support a teepee of wood completely surrounding the foundation, leaving only the opening for the match. If you can find it on the ground, or on a dead tree, use it. You never know when a hike will turn bad and you will find yourself spending the night in the woods unexpectedly. Stand them on end, one on each side and one at the end of the foundation, using the 'Y' at the top to support them so they stand up. These rocks will not only help contain the fire, but they will get hot and stay hot for along time, helping you keep warm.