There's something special about gathering around a campfire, huddled with family and friends. It brings us closer, encourages communal bonding, and grounds us in the natural world we inhabit. And while starting a fire from scratch can feel daunting, it doesn't have to be that way. With the right techniques and a little know-how, you'll have a roaring blaze going in no time. Discover some expert tips for starting and maintaining a perfect campfire here.

Tools Required:

Hatchet

Long stem lighter or stick matches

Small camp shovel

Water container

Materials Required

Fire starters

Firewood

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

*Always build campfires in designated fire pits and fireplaces, away from flammable grass or trees.

*Always keep a source of water, a bucket and a shovel readily available before starting your campfire.

*Never cut down living or dead trees; standing dead trees often have wildlife living in them.

*Never leave a fire unattended.

Three Types of Fuel

Tinder (fire starter)

This can be anything that ignites easily, including small twigs, dry leaves, birch bark, pine cones and pine needles. You can also purchase fire starters or make your own with dryer lint, empty toilet paper rolls and newspaper.

Kindling

Sticks one inch in diameter or smaller. You can split small strips of kindling from a dry log with a hatchet.

Firewood

Dry logs three to four inches in diameter and about 16 inches long. You can use gathered or purchased firewood.

Step 2

The Tripod

*Start with a pile of tinder loosely arranged in the center of the fire pit.

*Create a cone shape with kindling over the tinder, allowing space for air and oxygen to flow.

*Place three pieces of firewood on end leaning against each other in the shape of a tripod or tent.

Step 3

The Pyramid

*Place three or four of your largest pieces of firewood in the center of the firepit, side by side.

*Lay another three pieces of firewood in the opposite direction on top of the first three. Continue to layer with smaller-sized wood as the pyramid gets taller, ending with kindling.

*Top the pyramid with a handful of tinder or a few fire starters.

Step 4

The Log Cabin

*Similar to building walls for a log cabin, start with two larger pieces of firewood lying parallel to each other about 12 inches apart in the fire pit.

*Next, place two smaller pieces of firewood on top of the first two at a right angle creating a square.

*Fill the inside of the square with a liberal amount of tinder (or a few fire starters) and kindling.

*Continue layering firewood. ­The space between each log will allow air and oxygen to flow. Top off the cabin with a layer of kindling and tinder.

Step 5

Start the Campfire

*Use a stick match or long stem lighter to ignite the tinder or fire starters. Longer matches save your hand from burns.

*Once the tinder ignites the kindling, lightly blow or fan the flame. The air further ignites the wood.

Step 6

Extinguish the Fire

*Extinguishing your campfire is more important than starting one. Always scope out a nearby water source and bring a large container like a bucket or milk jug to transport water.

*Ideally, separate the logs from each other and let the fire burn out on its own in the firepit.

*Extinguish the fire by slowly pouring water on the burning wood. Do not stand over the top of the fire as you douse it; the rising steam may burn you.

*Smother any remaining embers by shoveling dirt onto the fire.