Usually when you build a fire, you have to maintain it…whether that means fanning the flames, adding more wood and keeping it safe from moisture, especially during rainy weather. Unfortunately, when you’re out in the wilderness, it’s difficult to retain your attention on just one thing. You’ve got to worry about food, shelter and water…among other things.
That’s where self-sufficient fires come in handy, like the pyramid fire. Made from stacked logs, kindling and tinder, the pyramid fire can be left alone to burn for over an hour…making it an ideal fire for when you’ve got other things to do. Check out the simple tutorial below, from Redditor CedrikG, to learn how to build a pyramid fire.
Learn How To Build A Pyramid Fire
Step 1: Collect logs and stack. Gather about 5 logs of different sizes, starting from large to small, in order to build the pyramid. Stack them in a pyramid form (like in the picture below) by playing 5 of the same size parallel to each other on the ground, then placing another smaller stack in a perpendicular direction. Create anywhere from 5 to 7 layers.
Step 2: Add tinder. Leave a bit of space at the top layer of logs.
This is where your tinder will go.
Step 3: Top off with kindling. Place a good amount of kindling over the tinder and top layer of the pyramid.
Step 4: Light the tinder. Go through the logs and start a fire where the tinder is. While you can use any fire starter, we recommend our waterproof Everstryke.
Fire should last for over an hour without any maintenance.
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I have read a number of articles on building fires including a Scandinavian one that has side rails and logs slowly roll down to replenish the fuel all night, but I especially love this one. Why? It is simple. I will remember the stacking every other way, pyramid shape with tinder in the middle and kindling on top. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I have read a number of articles on building fires including a Scandinavian one that has side rails and logs slowly roll down to replenish the fuel all night, but I especially love this one. Why? It is simple. I will remember the stacking every other way, pyramid shape with tinder in the middle and kindling on top. Thank you so much for sharing this!
The only problem with a pyramid fire is that it will burn alot of wood all at once. If your wood is limited, this isn’t a good survival fire.