Winter Campfire

Campfires are a must for many of our outings.  They bring warmth and ambiance.  It may seem impossible to start a fire on deep snow, but with a bit of knowledge, it is very easy to do. 

Fires on Snow

Snow apparently melts.  This causes some challenges with making a campfire on snow.  You must consider that a fire on snow may sink in and eventually become extinguished or not end up where you want it to be.  Also important is that the wetness of melted snow, both ground snow and falling snow, has a tendency to put out fires.

Don't build your fire directly on snow.  Always use a "raft".  A raft is a platform made of wood.  Bigger is better as it will take longer to burn through.  A raft can be placed on bare ground after digging through snow, or placed directly on top of deep snow.   Green wood will last a little longer than dry wood, but size is the key.

You can also build an upside-down fire.  Crisscross tightly packed layers of wood on top of each other and build your fire on top of this stack.  The fire will slowly burn down until it runs out of fuel or the remaining coals sink into the snow.  

If you are practicing Leave No Trace and want a fire, precut your wood for your fire, pack it in, and pack out what doesn't get burned.  If you are bringing a pulk, size your wood to fit in your pulk just right. 

Expect your wood to get wet and pack long burning fire starters. 

Gear:

• Pulk to haul wood

• Precut lumber for raft or upside-down fire

• Axes and saw as needed

Fire Platforms

The easiest way to start a fire on snow is to use a platform to elevate it from the snow.  Foldable campfire platforms are fantastic and worth the weight if you want a fire on snow. 

There are several designs, to include pop up fire stands, folding metal grates and rocket stoves. 

Don't forget to pack a contractor grade garbage bag to haul out ashes and unburned wood. 

Swedish Torch (aka Swedish Candle, Finn Candle, Finnish Torch, Finnish Candle, Swedish Fire, Siberian Tree Torch, Russian Tree Torch, Schwedenfeuer, Finnenfackel)

This was originally used in Scandinavia to warm forest workers and soldiers.  A tree was cut down and cuts were made into the stump.  Once lit, the fire from inside the cuts would burn for hours and the flat top can be used as a cooking surface.  Portable versions can be made with sections of trunks measuring between 1-2 feet wide and 20-60 inches long.  

Left Image: Long Swedish Torch with base buried in snow
Middle Image: Same Torch just getting going
Right Image: Afer a long burn down in high winds

Air vents are commonly made with a chainsaw which obviously need to be performed by an adult.  Alternate methods are possible with use of an axe or an wood auger.

Some versions can be made by Scouts in the field, while others are best done at home and the finished product is brought on the outing.  For Snow camping, we generally bring premade torches that are ready to use and pack out what doesn't get completely burned. 

NOTE: starting one without using unsafe techniques can be really challenging especially if it is windy, raining, snowing or a combination of all of these.  A propane torch is one method for getting these started.   Another method is to drop burning coals from a fire into the top or side of the torch to start it.  These techniques require supervision. 

Safety Concerns

• Power tools and Chainsaws must be used by Adults in Scouting.  

• Although commonly used by foresters with chainsaws,
  Troop 60 does NOT use gasoline to start fires.  

• A road flare can be used to get one of these started if it is really wet and windy out. 
  This is for Adult use ONLY!

Twig Stoves

There are several popular wood stoves on the market that will work in the winter.  These are basically little mini campfires.

Plan to bring your own fuel and will likely need a base to place your stove on.

Wood pellets can also be used in these stoves.  One of our Scoutmasters has different sized stoves and burns wood pellets on campouts.