Signaling
Build a night signal fire
At night, flame and light contrast matter more than smoke. A signal fire needs to be seen from the air.
The Gray Bearded Green Beret — How to Signal for Rescue
Step-by-step
Choose a high, open spot with a clear view of the sky — ridge, clearing, or shoreline.
Build three small fires in a triangle 25 meters apart if you have the fuel and it's safe.
Keep a large supply of dry, fast-burning material ready to throw on when you hear an aircraft.
Use bright flames against dark terrain; against snow, dark smoke from green boughs contrasts better.
Only light when you have reason to believe searchers are nearby — a fire left burning is a fire that can escape.
Warning: Never build signal fires in dry, windy conditions where embers can ignite surrounding forest. Clear the ground to mineral soil first.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.