Cooking Over an Open Fire: Campfire Techniques

Objective

Cook safely and efficiently over wood fire with predictable heat zones and minimal soot.

Scenario (Example)

Example: Rain the day before; wood is damp under bark. You need a quick boil and simmer for rice and stew.

Fire Lays for Cooking

• Log Cabin: Stable platform and even heat.
• Keyhole: Fire in round; rake coals into the “key” for steady simmer.
• Trench: Windy sites—channels air for hotter burn.

Steps

1. Split wet wood; expose dry cores.
2. Build small, hot fire first; then add cooking wood.
3. Use a grill or two green sticks for pot support.
4. Rake coals for simmer zone; avoid flames licking pot sides.

Real Example

Keyhole fire boiled 1 L in 6 minutes with a steady simmer after coals were raked into the channel, saving fuel.

Checklist

• Pot with lid; long spoon
• Gloves; small grill/grates
• Water for dousing; clear mineral soil

Contingencies

• Smoky wood → increase airflow; use smaller splits.
• Fire restrictions → use a stove instead.

After-Action

Time boil/simmer phases and note wood types that soot less for your next trip.

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