Building a Leave No Trace Campfire
| Category: | Outdoor Skills |
|---|---|
| Notes: | Explains minimal-impact fire methods including fire pans, fire rings, and mound fires, with practical advice for Scout use. Reinforces Leave No Trace ethics. |
Campfires bring warmth, light, and unforgettable moments to a Scout outing. But with every log burned, we leave a footprint on the land. That's why Scouts committed to Leave No Trace principles aim to build fires that do their job—without scarring the landscape.
Let's explore three time-tested methods for building a low-impact campfire:
1. Fire Pans
A fire pan is a shallow metal tray—often just an old baking sheet or oil drip pan—used to elevate your fire above the ground. It protects the soil from heat and ash, especially in sensitive areas like alpine zones, beaches, or dry grasslands. Add a few inches of mineral soil or sand to the pan to insulate it further. After the fire is out and cooled, pack out the ashes and you're good to go.
2. Existing Fire Rings
If you're in an established campsite with a fire ring, use it. Fire rings concentrate impact in one place and reduce the spread of scorch marks or charred debris. Avoid building new ones unless it's a wilderness survival situation. Keep fires small, burn only dead and downed wood, and fully extinguish the fire—cold enough to touch—before leaving.
3. Mound Fires
Mound fires are a clever trick for backcountry camping. Scoop mineral soil (from a riverbank or beneath a downed log) onto a ground cloth or flat rock, forming a raised, compact mound about 3 inches thick and 18 inches wide. Build your fire on the mound. The soil insulates the ground and prevents scorching. After the fire is out, scatter the ashes and return the soil to where you found it.
Tips for All Low-Impact Fires:
- Use only sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Skip the fire entirely if wood is scarce or prohibited—cook on a stove and stargaze instead.
- Scatter ashes and disguise any signs of fire when leaving.
Scout's Honor: Building a Leave No Trace campfire isn't about giving up the magic of flames—it's about earning the trust of the wild places we love. Fire with respect, and the forest will still be there for the next Scout who needs its warmth.