It’s your first summer getaway in the RV, and suddenly you realize you need to know how to build a campfire. We have all the basics for a warm and cozy vacation that keeps you safe. Remember, the safest fire is safe from your RV awning!
Check with Local Municipality for Fire Bans
A campfire may highlight your weekend escape, but weather conditions may be unsafe for a fire. Check with Parks Canada or the Meteorological Service of Canada for any current fire bans and follow their guidelines.
Use the Provided Fire Ring or Your Own
If you are staying at an RV resort or campground, your fire should be built in an approved portable fire ring or the one provided at your site.
For those that are dry camping:
- Choose a spot that has no overhanging foliage above.
- Choose a spot that has no overhanging foliage above.
- Dig down to reach bare earth or sand. All roots must be pulled out of the soil in the ring.
- Build a protective wall around the ring with rocks or bricks–this serves as a windbreak and a visual cue to avoid tripping into the fire.
- You should be able to step across the diameter of the ring.
While building a ring is an attractive rustic option, the safest choice is always in a fireplace or metal fire ring.
Prepare a Bucket of Water or Sand for Safety
Fill a pail with water or sand and leave it beside your chair by the fire. If the wind kicks up or something unexpected happens, you can put out the flames immediately.
Clean Out the Old Ash
A fire ring full of ash prevents good airflow, and small cinders can reignite and become airborne. Sweep the fire ring clear before lighting the match.
No Chemicals are Needed! Paper and Kindling are Perfect
Avoid using liquid fire starters. Crumple up two or three newspaper pages and place them in the centre of the ring. Place some kindling over the paper balls, leaving space between each twig. Light the paper at the bottom. The flames will climb up the form and ignite the kindling.
Alternatively, a kindling puck bought at the camping supply store provides a steady heat source long enough to catch larger logs. Put it at the bottom center of the fire and light it.
Build a Pyramid to Optimize Airflow
Add slightly more significant pieces of kindling or wood to help the fire grow. Create a tripod so air enters the fire at the bottom and rises through the middle of the fire. As smaller pieces of wood burn, their embers fall into the fire’s centre and fuel the larger pieces.
A Little Patience Helps the Larger Wood to Catch
Take your time with adding all the wood. Rushing can choke the airflow and cause your fire to smoke and extinguish itself. Wait up to five minutes to let the medium-sized branches thoroughly catch before adding a more significant piece and wait again.
A standard piece of firewood will burn for up to 45 minutes. But remember that you need two or three parts to create the chimney effect for a long burn.
Look for Red Coals for Longevity
Once the kindling and the first significant piece of wood are down to red coals, you have the heat to catch another piece or two of wood without as much worry that it will fizzle out. Enjoy your campfire!
Tips for Sourcing Firewood
Don’t Travel with Firewood
Due to the increasing population of damaging invasive insect species, travelling cross-country with firewood from your home is not recommended. You may unwittingly bring an unwelcome insect into a protected landscape. Leave your extra wood at home.
Buy Local
Pick up some campfire wood at the RV resort from a local shop, or support small businesses by dropping $10 in a roadside firewood-for-sale shack.
Avoid Burning Lumber
Using leftover planks from a home improvement project is not recommended. Many types of lumber sold for construction are treated with toxic chemicals or kiln dried. This can produce toxic smoke or fire too hot to extinguish quickly.
Planning an RV Vacation with Less Stress
Have a piece of mind when planning your next vacation; contact Wayfarer Insurance to ensure you have the right coverage for your RV—interested in getting a free quote? Contact us at 1-844-929-4768.
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