FlameWorks Camp

Camp Fires

With a name like FlameWorks Camp, you may guess that we view camp fires as central to the camping experience.

Each of or campsites has a provisions for a fire and the detailed listing shows what type is present or available.  The types of fire-pits (Wikipedia) vary quite a bit. Sometimes a large fire-pit to build a bonfire is ideal.  Many times, a small campfire is what is desired, with less fuel required and often, less smoke.  In certain weather conditions, a recessed or contained fire is the only real possible option. 

The keys to reducing smoke in a traditional fire-pit are: 
• Hot initial fire with adequate amounts of kindling. 
• Dry fuel.  Not just dry, as in free of moisture, but seasoned wood.  
• Adequate airflow.  Incomplete combustion leads to smoky fires.   
• Keeping non-wood from being tossed into the fire. Do not burn plastic, Styrofoam, synthetics, or anything that is not wood. 

Smokeless fires are a goal of many people who camp.  The only real option for absolutely smokeless fires is a gas fire-pit, but there are three types of wood fires that can be virtually smoke free after initially lit, if operated correctly. 

Dakota Fire Pit
The first smokeless fire pits were made up of two small adjacent pits in the ground, connected with a tunnel that serves as a vent.  Often these were built on sloping ground to aid in the draft process and to shelter the fire even more from wind. 

Rocket Stove
This design is really no different that the Dakota Fire Pit, it is just constructed as a movable object rather than being built into the ground.  A shocking amount of heat can be generated from just small amounts of sticks and kindling.  Usually a rocket stove is used for cooking, but it does provide some warmth, especially the ones built of masonry as the body heats up. 

Breero or Solo Stove
These are manufactured products that acts like an incinerator in many ways, boosting the airflow for combustion by design.