Choose Your Site Wisely
Always use an established fire ring where available — it protects the ground and keeps your fire contained. If no ring exists, clear a 10-foot area of dry leaves and debris, and build your fire on bare mineral soil or rock. Never build a fire under low-hanging branches or in dry grass. In Washington State, always check current fire restrictions before lighting up — some seasons and areas prohibit open fires.
The Log Cabin Build
For campfires, the log cabin structure is the most reliable. Place your Aurora Lites firestarter in the center, then stack small kindling over it in a square, alternating direction each layer like a cabin. Leave gaps for airflow. Light your firestarter, and as the kindling catches, the structure collapses inward feeding itself. Add larger logs around the outside as the fire grows.
The Teepee Build
For a faster, hotter fire, the teepee works well. Place your firestarter at the center and lean kindling sticks against each other in a cone above it. The flame rises naturally into the structure and catches the kindling quickly. Good for cold nights when you need heat fast. Less self-sustaining than the log cabin — you'll need to add wood more actively.
Keep Your Fire Manageable
A smaller, well-built fire is warmer, safer, and more enjoyable than a massive bonfire. A fire you can sit close to — 3 to 4 feet across — is ideal for most camping situations. Larger fires push you back with heat, create more embers that can spread, and are harder to extinguish. Use Aurora Lites to make a modest fire magical rather than a big fire ordinary.
Extinguishing Completely
Never leave a campfire unattended or just 'let it die out.' Pour water on the fire, stir the ashes, and pour more water until everything is cold to the touch. If you can't hold your hand above the ashes comfortably, it's not out. In dry conditions, pack dirt or sand over the fire site as a final step. Leave no trace — your fire ring should look undisturbed when you leave.