NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: https://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1547118
October 2026 • Nebraskaland 17 Lighting the Fire Use matches, a lighter or a fire starter like a magnesium system to ignite the tinder. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or revive a fire. Begin slowly and allow the kindling to catch fire before adding larger wood. A common mistake made is adding too much wood too quickly. Fires need oxygen, so avoid smothering the flame. If the fire struggles, gently fan or blow air onto the flames. Once the fire is established: • Add wood gradually. • Keep the fire at a small, manageable size. • Rearrange logs occasionally to maintain airflow. Cooking Over a Campfire Campfires are excellent for simple outdoor cooking. Common campfire foods include: • Hot dogs • Marshmallows • Foil packet meals • Corn on the cob • Cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven recipes Allow flames to settle into hot coals before cooking. Coals provide more even heat and reduce burning. Cooking hot dogs or marshmallows over a campfire is a classic and safe camping tradition, provided you use extendable, long-handled, metal roasting sticks or forks, closely supervise children and cook over glowing coals rather than open f lames. It is best to use long- handled, steel cooking tools with rubber handles and heat-resistant gloves when working with food over the fire for safety. Extinguishing the Fire Properly The cause of many wildfires — campfires that are not fully extinguished! Follow these steps carefully to properly put out a campfire: 1. Pour water over the fire slowly. 2. Stir the ashes and embers with a shovel. 3. Add more water until all hissing stops. 4. Carefully feel ash to ensure they are cool. The fire should be cold enough to touch before you leave the area. Remember, if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Common Campfire Structures Different fire layouts serve different purposes. Tipi Fire A tipi fire is one of the easiest methods for beginners. This structure allows excellent airflow and creates a strong flame quickly. 1. Place tinder in the center. 2. Arrange kindling around it in a cone shape. 3. Add slightly larger sticks over the kindling. 4. Light the tinder from several sides. Log Cabin Fire The log cabin style produces a stable, long-burning fire. This design works well for cooking and steady heat. 1. Start with a small teepee fire in the center. 2. Stack larger sticks around it in alternating layers like a square cabin. 3. Leave gaps for airflow. Lean-To Fire A lean-to fire performs well in windy or damp conditions. The larger log shields the flame from wind and helps concentrate heat. 1. Place a large log on the windward side of the fire ring/pit. 2. Put tinder beneath the log. 3. Lean kindling against the larger log at an angle. 4. Ignite the tinder.