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Baby, it’s cold outside
The weather in NWI has been steadily decreasing with increasing winds from the north running down the full length of Lake Michigan. Needless to say, it’s gotten cold! We went from adding our winter comforter at the beginning of the month to adding an additional 2 more blankets 2 weeks later.
Granted we’re trying to limit turning on the furnace to only get by with body heat and using the oven / stove while cooking. Our house is insulated well; thanks to Kyle’s diligence with our remodel and new roof last year.
In addition to using more blankets around the house, we’re gearing up to use our new wood-burning stove / fireplace insert. Kyle’s been regularly chopping wood and has a stack near the house drying out, but it doesn’t feel cold enough for an indoor fire. We’re sort of in an interim period – I know that it’s going to get a lot colder in the dead of winter, but it sure feels really cold right now because I’m just not used to it … yet.
I’ve got the perfect solution
This is why a backyard campfire is perfect. But how do you do it? I’ll share with you what we did for our quick and easy backyard fire pit.
Where to start it?
Find a Location
If you are at a campsite, there are designated fire pit areas. But if you’re making your own backyard fire pit, we recommend finding a location:
- not too close to the house – obviously, you don’t want the house to start on fire, but also so the smoke doesn’t seep in too much.
- somewhat flat so you can add blankets and chairs around the fire
- somewhat open area away from trees, bushes, fences, sheds or wires overhead.
Keep it Contained
We used a basic galvanized metal fire ring for our firepit, and surrounded it with extra bricks from the previous homeowner’s landscaping. But this is because we wanted our firepit in a temporary location until we refinished our deck and created a more permanent spot.
There are many different options for creating firepits ($ to $$$$). It’s recommended to clear the space from twigs, leaves and dry grass, so there’s mostly dirt around it. And it’s good to keep it insulated with bricks or rocks around the pit.
What do you need?
- Access to water or sand to extinguish or in case of emergency
- Tinder to start the fire – newspaper, fire starter, dryer lint or even corn chips
- Various sizes of wood – small twigs and sticks as kindling for base, medium to grow the fire, and larger logs to keep it burning
- Matches or Lighter
- Protective gear such as gloves, shoes, longer poker stick
How to start it?
The easiest method to start a campfire is the ‘log cabin’ method.
Steps:
Step 1: Add tinder in the center of fire pit.
Step 2: Lay medium wood sizes into square so it looks like a log cabin (approx ~2 stories high).
Step 3: With small kindling, form a teepee in the middle over tinder.
Step 4: Carefully light the tinder (may need to gently blow to help flames grow with oxygen).
Step 5: After the fire is going, add a few more layers of kindling to the top, but don’t smother it.
Step 6: Add larger logs to fuel the fire and keep it burning.
Estimated Time:
~10 – 15 minutes to set up and get the fire burning; all evening to enjoy!
Things to Consider
We’ve gathered various items around the yard or campsite to start a fire. Leaves will make a fire very smokey, and if it’s wet, it’s also difficult to start. Cooking over the fire is really fun – especially if you’re making s’mores!
Remember to never leave fire unattended, and if you have to leave, put it out by pouring water or sand over it, and wait until you know it’s out.
Tell Us what you think
What’s your secret to starting a campfire? Do you use a different method? We’d love to hear from you. Please share your feedback in the comments below.
– Kara from Zeke Life
Live like Zeke
You’re such a good boy!
