Many campgrounds require you to purchase your wood from them. We try to light the fire with one match and no fire starter, lighter fluid, newspaper, etc.We took our friend Wendy camping—she’s from Colorado—and she was horrified we were using newspapers to start the fire! From then on, as much as possible, we try to only use one match.
We also do all our BBQing over the wood fire. No more charcoal BBQs!
🔥 Setting Up
- Have the kids gather tinder and kindling
- Arrange tinder (dry leaves and bark shavings)
- Add kindling: small sticks (pencil-sized to thumb-sized)
- Stack firewood: larger logs on top, leaving gaps for airflow
- We like the log cabin method: criss-crossed logs around tinder (burns longer)
🔥 Lighting the Fire
- Use a long match (fireplace match)
- Light the tinder in several spots so it catches evenly
- Gently blow at the base if flames need encouragement (don’t smother it)
- Add fuel gradually; don’t overload the fire
✅ Fire Safety While Burning
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Keep fires small and manageable
🧯 Extinguishing the Fire
- Let wood burn to ash if possible
- Pour water slowly over the fire until all hissing stops
- Stir the ashes with a stick or shovel, then add more water
My wife and daughter are the fire whisperers. As long as the wood is dry they can pretty consistently light the fire with one match and no fire starter. It is frustrating when the wood is not dry because then you basically need a flame thrower!
