GOING BUSH?

Press, 28 December 1987, Page 16

GOING BUSH?

Guide to lighting camp fires

In the bush, camp fires are useful not just for cooking, but for warmth, drying wet clothing or, in an emergency, for producing signals. Even if you cook on a portable stove, it is worth knowing how to build a safe, effective fire, even in bad weather. The Mountain Safety Council has some suggestions. Fireplaces Select a sheltered site from which the fire cannot spread to vegetation or camping equipment. This should .be downwind from your tent. Stack rocks around three sides of the site, leaving the fourth open to the wind. Clear away any leaves and twigs down to bare soil. Use rocks, dead wood or a foil plate for a base to keep soil moisture from the kindling. Kindling Dry twigs are often found on trees such as mahoe (whiteywood). In beech forest, dry twigs and dead branches may be snapped off or found suspended in the undergrowth. If necessary, shavings may be cut from dry sticks. Firewood Most types of dead wood burn, provided they have not been lying on the wet ground. Driftwood from beaches, lakeshores, or creekbeds usually burns well. Wood which is soggy or very rotten is unsuitable. Some trees and shrubs will burn green but dry dead wood burns much better. In bad weather Even in adverse weather, there is always dry wood to be found. Look under logs, bark, etc. Split standing dead wood to expose the dry core. Split kindling down to matchstick size if necessary and KEEP IT DRY. Build up your fire carefully; dry more wood as you go. Store dry wood

and kindling under cover for the next fire. Fire lighters Carry a supply of matches in a watertight container. Disposable lighters are excellent and can be easily dried if wet. It helps to use firelighting aids, particularly in wet weather: • solid fuel tablets or paste • a stub of candle • a piece of bicycle or car inner tube • dry paper Lighting the fire Collect a good supply of both kindling and firewood before lighting the fire. Construct your fire to maintain a good air flow. Start with the aid, add progressively larger pieces of kindling and then firewood as the fire grows. Gentle fanning with a plate often helps. Ensure the fire is looked after- and not allowed to spread or go out. Cooking Billies may be boiled in open flames but most cooking is done best over glowing embers. Lower the heat by scraping the coals apart; raise it by adding a few small twigs. . Arrange billy supports to avoid burns. S-shaped wire billy hooks are useful. Before leaving All fires must be thoroughly extinguished before a campsite is left. Collect all rubbish, bury ashes and return the fireplace to its original condition. Environmental care Observe the Minimum Impact Code: • Use portable stoves rather than fires where possible. • Carry out all empty gas canisters. • Take note of fire bans during periods of hot, dry weather.