How To Build A Fire In 10 Easy Steps: An Introductory Guide

Imagine yourself camped out in the woods with good friends and family gathered around a crackling campfire you built by hand with a few simple tools.

Whether you’re cooking over an open flame, warming up on a chilly night, or creating the perfect atmosphere to share stories—the ability to build a proper campfire is one of the most useful outdoor skills you can learn.

If you’re new to camping, the number of techniques and tools can seem overwhelming. A lot can go wrong—especially when folks ignore burn bans, skip basic safety steps, or use shortcuts that can quickly turn dangerous. But don’t worry—even seasoned campers keep learning new tricks.

Below you’ll find a simple, safe, and reliable way to build a campfire, along with a few professional-grade tools from Gerber Gear that make the process cleaner, faster, and more enjoyable.

The Basic Steps of a Fire

1. Have the right tools on hand
2. Ensure you have a safe and secure area to start a fire
3. Gather wood for fuel
4. Cut the wood into logs, tinder, and kindling
5. Arrange the tinder
6. Light the tinder
7. Add kindling
8. Add logs
9. Maintain and enjoy
10. Extinguish the fire

1) Have the Right Gear on Hand

A few reliable tools can make the difference between frustration and success. These Gerber Gear essentials are rugged, field-tested, and designed to make fire building simple.

Gerber Fire Starter

Compact and dependable, this ferrocerium rod and metal striker combo throws sparks even in wind or rain. It includes a waterproof tinder storage compartment and an emergency whistle. Perfect for any survival or camping kit.

Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife

A full-tang, fixed-blade knife built for hard use. It includes a partially serrated edge, hammer pommel, fire striker notch, and integrated sheath sharpener. Ideal for shaving tinder, slicing cord, or batoning wood.

Bushcraft Hatchet – Coyote Brown

Compact but powerful, this hatchet features a forged steel head for clean splits and an ergonomic handle with hidden waterproof storage for tinder or matches. Perfect for prepping kindling or carving feather sticks.

Gorge Folding Shovel

A lightweight, push-button folding shovel with a hammer edge for driving stakes. Essential for digging your fire pit, moving hot coals, or safely managing your campfire.

Freescape Camp Saw

This collapsible saw assembles in seconds and cuts through thick branches or logs with ease. It folds flat for transport and is built to handle tough backcountry conditions.

Live Inventory Price Checker

	Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet + Sheath, Gray	Palmetto State Armory	$ 49.99 $ 46.79
	Gerber Gear Bushcraft Hatchet - Coyote Brown Axes	Gerber Gear	$ 70.00
	Gerber Gear Bushcraft Hatchet - Grey Axes	Gerber Gear	$ 70.00
	Gerber Gear Bushcraft Axe - Grey Axes	Gerber Gear	$ 90.00

2) Ensure You Have a Safe and Secure Area to Start a Fire

Before you strike a spark, check for local burn bans or wildfire restrictions. If you’re at a campground, use the designated pit. Otherwise, find a flat, clear area far from tents, brush, and trees. Use the Gorge Shovel to dig a pit about 6–8 inches deep and 2–3 feet wide. Line it with rocks to form a safe barrier.

Tip: Keep water and your shovel within reach at all times while the fire is burning.

3) Gather Fuel for the Fire

You’ll need three types of fuel: tinder, kindling, and logs. If you have store-bought firewood, great. Otherwise, collect dry fallen branches. Use the Freescape Camp Saw for larger cuts and the Bushcraft Hatchet to split pieces into smaller sizes.

4) Cut the Wood into Logs, Tinder, and Kindling

Each component has its role:

• Tinder: Small, dry, fast-burning material such as bark curls, dry grass, or shavings.
• Kindling: Small sticks and splinters that catch quickly from tinder.
• Logs: The main fuel that keeps your fire burning long-term.

Use the Gerber Ultimate Knife to create feather sticks or fine tinder shavings, and the Bushcraft Hatchet to baton down larger wood into kindling.

5) Arrange the Tinder

Build a small, loose nest of tinder in the center of your fire pit. Keep kindling and logs close by. Airflow is key—don’t pack it tightly.

6) Light the Tinder

Use the Gerber Fire Starter. Angle the ferro rod over the tinder and strike firmly to shower sparks downward. Once you see a glow, gently blow until the flame catches.

7) Add Kindling

As the tinder starts burning, add small kindling pieces in a pyramid or teepee shape. Leave space for air to flow through. As the flame strengthens, add slightly larger sticks.

8) Add Logs

Once your kindling is burning steadily, add your smallest logs in a pyramid or crisscross formation. Build gradually to maintain airflow. Avoid smothering the fire by adding too much at once.

9) Maintain and Enjoy

Stay nearby and monitor your fire as it settles. Use the Gorge Shovel to reposition logs or coals when cooking. A steady, well-built fire will last for hours and keep everyone warm and comfortable.

10) Extinguish the Fire

When it’s time to turn in, practice Leave No Trace principles. Pour water slowly over the coals, stir with your shovel, and repeat until everything is cool to the touch. Scatter the ashes and leave the site looking just as you found it.

Quick Product Links

• Gerber Fire Starter
• Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife
• Bushcraft Hatchet – Coyote Brown
• Gorge Folding Shovel
• Freescape Camp Saw

Safety Reminder: Always follow local fire regulations, observe posted burn bans, and keep extinguishing tools on hand.

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