From the dawn of history to dusk last night, fire is mankind’s oldest and most useful tool. Learn how to harness its strength to cook, survive, and connect to a primal force as old and powerful as time itself.

Chapter 1. Siting

Determine if conditions are right, then pick the safest spot for a no-impact fire.

The History of Fire

Location, Location, Location

Should I Have a Fire Tonight?

Chapter 2. Fuel

All woods burn with different intensity. Maximize your firewood collecting.

Pick up Sticks

Confessions of a Backcountry Pyro

Tinder Finder

5 Rules for Foraging Firewood

Chapter 3. Architecture

Adapt your fire lay to available materials and conditions.

3 Techniques for Building a Fire Ring

The Best Fire Story Ever Told

3 Rules for Healthy Fires

What Kids Can Teach You About Enjoying a Campfire

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Chapter 4. Lighting

One match. Every time.



Make a Fire starter Bouquet

The Essential Burn



Chapter 5. Feeding

Add sticks to the flame to boost heat output, create cooking coals, and more.

The Good Kind of Hot Spot

How to Tell a Good Campfire Story

6. Uses

43 things you can do with fire.

7. Extinguishing

The most important step: Putting out your fire and restoring the landscape so it looks like you were never here.

Burn Out, Then Fade Away

First Aid for Burns

Never Pee on a Fire

Additional reporting by Ian Bagley, Katie Campisi, Loren Mooney, and Kerry Wolfe