38 Nebraskaland • January-February 2025
like a teepee.
Use matches or a lighter to ignite the tinder, which should
catch quickly. When the tinder gets hot enough, it will ignite
the fatwood. Add more tinder as needed to increase heat.
Once the fatwood is burning well, you can then add fi rewood
on top, but only a couple pieces at fi rst. If needed, add more
fatwood to keep the heat going until the fi rewood starts
taking. Then add more wood as needed.
Allow the wood to burn, while enjoying the warmth,
conversation and coff ee. When the fl ames die down and the
wood starts to look more like embers of coal, that's when your
campfi re is ready for cooking.
Equipment
In addition to the items previously mentioned, and
whatever dinnerware and utensils you need, don't forget the
following:
•
Over-the-fi re grill grate, if applicable
•
Dutch oven or cast-iron pan
•
Lid lifter
•
Mixing/serving spoons, ladle or tongs
•
Heat resistant gloves
•
Tea kettle
•
Percolator or French press
•
Paper towels
•
Trash bag
Also, don't let poor clothing decisions dampen your meal
outdoors. As with any outdoor winter activity, wear clothing
and shoes that are warm and will keep you dry. Although
Rick, being old school, will opt for jeans every time, I prefer
wearing waterproof or water-resistant pants to keep from
Rick Wheatley of Omaha builds a campfi re with fatwood fi re starter, dryer lint and local wood. He brought a shovel to dig out a
fi re ring full of snow. A deer sled makes easy work of dragging gear over the snow.
Wheatley adds more fatwood to the fi re to help it along.
