Starting a Campfire

Here’s how to get your campfire started and going strong:

1. If there’s no fire ring, start with a flat area at least 10 feet away from tents, trees, roots and other flammable items.
   
   
2. Clear a space 24 to 32 inches in diameter, and dig a few inches into the ground if possible. This will keep the fire contained.
   
   
3. Make a ring of rocks if one isn't already there, but don't build against a boulder or other large rocks.
   
   
4. Gather firewood and kindling using only fallen branches. Some campgrounds have rules against picking up even fallen branches and expect you to come with your own firewood or purchase from their general store. Be sure to research before you go.
   
   
5. Gather twigs and sticks ranging in size from less than a quarter inch to three inches in diameter.
   
   
6. Dry clumps of pitch and birch bark make good fire starters. You can find dry pieces under logs and roots. You can also use paper or large leaves ripped into thin strips.
   
   
7. Build a small, loose pile of kindling, making sure to allow space for air to feed the fire. Include paper scraps, dry plant matter, any type of wood shavings or straw and other small, flammable items.
   
   
8. Use the larger twigs to make a teepee or a log cabin, which is made by placing the twigs in a square formation and building higher and higher.
   
   
9. Light the kindling with your BIC® Multi-Purpose Lighter.
   
   
10. Add increasingly larger sticks and then logs as the fire grows in strength, always leaving enough space between them for the fire to breathe.
    
    

Source: http://camping.about.com