Do you want to learn how to build a perfect campfire in your backyard safely?
If so, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process for creating a fire that burns bright and strong, while also being safe and easy to manage.
I’ll be using my own backyard fire pit to show you exactly how to ignite and maintain a fire.
Before we get started, however, I want to remind you of something crucial—safety.
Fire, like any tool, demands respect. One moment of carelessness can lead to an accident.
So please, follow proper safety protocols and never start a fire without adult supervision if you’re a minor.
Table of Contents
Prepping the Fire Pit: Start with a Clean Slate
Prepping the Fire Pit: Start with a Clean Slate
First things first, let’s head outside to prepare the fire pit.
The one in my backyard has seen better days—it’s rusted and definitely on its last leg.
A brand-new fire pit is on the agenda for future backyard upgrades, but for now, this old one will do for our fire-building practice.
Before starting any fire, it’s essential to clear out the debris left over from previous burns.
Old ashes, leaves, or bits of charred wood can obstruct proper airflow, which is critical for keeping your fire burning evenly.
So, grab a shovel or a sturdy stick and remove any remnants from the pit.
A clean fire pit means better air circulation, which translates to a more efficient fire.
Plus, it’s easier to manage and control the fire when there’s no leftover material getting in the way.
Selecting the Right Wood: The Backbone of a Great Fire
Now that your pit is ready, it’s time to gather your firewood.
The type of wood you use can make or break your campfire experience.
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory burn slower and provide long-lasting heat, making them ideal for the main logs.
On the other hand, softwoods like pine or spruce catch fire quickly but burn out faster, which makes them perfect for kindling.
I store my firewood under a weatherproof cover to keep it dry throughout the winter months. This ensures that I always have usable wood ready for my fires.
When you’re collecting wood, check for any signs of dampness, especially if your wood has been stored outside.
Wet or moist wood is much harder to ignite and will cause your fire to sputter or die out. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to find insects that have taken up residence in your woodpile during the winter, so give it a good inspection before handling it.
A useful tip is to keep a designated kindling bucket nearby. I have one filled with smaller branches, twigs, and off-cuts from various woodworking projects.
Any time I need to start a fire, I have a ready supply of small, dry kindling that’s perfect for igniting a strong flame.
The key here is to be prepared in advance. Organizing your wood and kindling will make the fire-building process much smoother.
When it comes to organizing your firewood, I like to sort it into four categories: small, medium, large, and logs.
You’ll start with the small and medium pieces to get the fire going. Once the flames are stable, you can gradually introduce the larger pieces and logs to sustain the fire for hours.
Building the Fire: Step-by-Step Construction
Now comes the fun part: building the fire.
Start by grabbing a single sheet of paper—an old newspaper or scrap paper works perfectly. This will serve as the initial flame source.
Place the paper at the center of your fire pit. You’ll want to surround it with the driest, thinnest pieces of wood you have.
These small pieces will catch fire easily and help ignite the larger wood.
When constructing your fire, aim for a structure that promotes airflow.
A teepee structure is a popular method for starting fires. To build a teepee, arrange your smallest pieces of kindling in a pyramid shape around the paper.
The gaps between the wood will allow air to flow freely through the structure, feeding the fire once it’s lit.
Here’s an important trick: leave a small gap or “door” in the structure.
This will be your access point for the match.
By lighting the fire at the center, where the paper is, you maximize the chances of the flames spreading outward, igniting the kindling and eventually the larger logs.
The idea here is to create a fire that’s self-sustaining with minimal interference.
Lighting the Fire: One Match to Rule Them All
With everything set up, it’s time for the main event: lighting the fire with a single match. There’s something incredibly satisfying about lighting a fire with just one match—no fire starters, no accelerants, just pure fire-building skill.
Strike your match, place it through the opening you left in the wood structure, and let the magic happen.
If everything goes according to plan, the paper will catch first, quickly followed by the smaller pieces of wood.
As the flames begin to grow, they’ll spread to the medium-sized wood and then to the larger pieces.
The key here is patience—don’t rush to add more wood too soon. Let the fire build on its own. You’ll know it’s stable when the medium-sized wood is fully engulfed, and the flames are strong enough to sustain the larger logs.
You might feel the urge to add more wood right away, but resist the temptation.
If you overload the fire too quickly, you could smother it.
Instead, let the flames spread gradually and only add wood once the fire has a solid base.
Enjoying the Fire: Relax and Soak in the Warmth
Once your fire is burning brightly, the only task left is to sit back and enjoy it.
There’s something deeply satisfying about the warmth and crackle of a well-built fire.
Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, warming up on a chilly evening, or simply enjoying the ambiance, a fire adds an undeniable magic to any outdoor experience.
Pro Tips for Enhancing Your Fire-Building Skills
Now that you’ve learned the basics of how to build a one-match fire, let’s dive into a few additional tips that can elevate your fire-building game.
These tips can be especially helpful if you encounter less-than-ideal conditions or want to make sure your fire burns efficiently.
1. Choose the Right Location: If you’re building a fire in a fire pit, you’re all set. But if you’re in a natural setting, pick a location that is clear of dry brush, overhanging branches, or other flammable materials. Make sure to follow any local regulations or guidelines related to open fires.
2. Use Dry Materials: It cannot be stressed enough—wet wood will make fire-building difficult. Always use dry materials to ensure your fire catches easily and burns well.
3. Build a Teepee Structure: One of the best structures for a quick start is a teepee. Arrange the wood in a pyramid shape around the paper or kindling. This allows air to circulate, feeding the fire and helping it burn hotter and faster.
4. Maintain Airflow: Fires need oxygen to thrive. Don’t pack the wood too tightly or smother the flames. Make sure there’s enough space between the pieces for air to move freely through the structure.
5. Be Ready to Adjust: Once the fire starts, you may need to adjust the placement of logs or move pieces to help the fire burn more efficiently. Keep a poker or stick handy to manage the fire without getting too close.
6. Safety Gear: It’s a good idea to have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. If the fire gets out of control, you’ll want to act quickly.
7. Wind Barriers: If the wind is strong, build a barrier using large rocks or a makeshift shield. This will protect the fire from gusts that could either extinguish it or cause it to spread uncontrollably.
Fire Safety and Extinguishing: Know When to Call It a Night
Once your campfire is in full swing, there are a few things you can do to keep it burning smoothly.
Feed it slowly, adding logs one at a time to prevent overwhelming the fire. If the flames start to die down, use small, dry branches to reignite them.
When it’s time to call it a day, never leave a fire unattended.
Use water to fully extinguish it, making sure that all embers are soaked and cool to the touch before you walk away.
Stir the ashes to spread the water around and ensure no hidden embers are left burning.
Final Thoughts
Building a campfire in your own backyard is a rewarding skill.
It’s straightforward when you take the time to properly prepare, stay organized, and respect fire safety.
Whether you’re in your backyard or out in the wild, mastering the art of fire-building will give you a deeper connection to the outdoors and a sense of accomplishment.
So the next time you’re looking for an excuse to be outside, grab some firewood, strike a match, and create your perfect campfire.
Just remember to stay safe, enjoy the process, and take in the simple pleasure of a well-built fire.
