Build a long-log fire for cold nights

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Lay two dry logs (wrist to arm-thick, 4–6 feet long) parallel on the ground about a hand-span apart.

2. 2

   Fill the gap between them with a full-length bed of tinder, then kindling, then thumb-thick sticks.

3. 3

   Light along the length so the whole channel catches at once; the two logs will slowly burn inward toward each other.

4. 4

   Build a low reflector wall of green logs or stacked stones on the far side to bounce heat back to your shelter.

5. 5

   As the top logs burn down, roll fresh logs onto the bed rather than breaking down and rebuilding the fire.

Warning: Never sleep with a fire close enough to catch bedding. A minimum of one body-length between fire and sleeping surface is a good rule.