Dakota Fire Pit

This comes to us from the Dakota Indians. This is a smokeless fire that is easy to maintain and to cook over. It can also be easily concealed and the ashes buried right in the fire pit.

To start dug a hole in the ground approximate 12 inches in diameter and 6 to 8 inches deep.

Next dig a hole next to this hole approximately 6 to 8 inches away from it.

At the bottom of this second hole, dig an smaller hole that connects the two holes. Above the first hole, start a fire like you normally would for a TeePee fire. Once the fire is burning in the kindling phase, push the fire down into the first hole. Continue placing kindling on the fire till it is once again burning nicely. The limited air supply to the base of this fire will cause the wood to be burned slower and more completely thus generating little to no smoke.

To cook over this file just place a grate over the hole and cook on it. Remember to leave a gap so the air can get around the pot or pan you are using to cook with or you will smother this fire.

Swedish Candle

The Swedish candle is a type of fire that you can build using a log rope, tinder and kindling. This type of fire is useful when there is a lot of snow on the ground or if you need a small fire to cook over.

Take your log and split it into four pieces. In the center of the four pieces place you tinder, near the bottom of the center of the four pieces, and then the kindling on top of the tinder. Tie the pieces loosely back together, set the log on end with the tinder down and light the fire through the cracks in the pieces.  The fire will burn from the inside out and it will provide you with a flat surface on top to cook on.