How to Use Firebags in a Camp Kitchen

kasseckert/Sxc.hu

Using fire starters helps get your campfire ready for cooking much more quickly than starting the fire from scratch. Fire starters also cut down on the amount of tinder you need to collect and are especially useful in areas where you must bring in your own firewood. A firebag is a self-contained package of quick, hot-burning materials for starting your cook fire. Purchase commercially made firebags from camping and outdoor stores or make your own by filling a paper bag with wood chips, dryer lint and other flammable materials.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Firebag Fire pit Kindling Firewood Skewers Grill top Tongs
Firebag
Fire pit
Kindling
Firewood
Skewers
Grill top
Tongs

Step 1

Choose the area for your cooking fire. Use provided grills or fire pits if available and as required by the rules governing the area. Otherwise, use the firebag with your own wood or charcoal grill or make a fire pit. Portable metal fire pits are also available to purchase at camping stores.

Step 2

Collect two armloads of kindling---twigs about the same size around as your finger---and an armload of firewood. Place the wood at least a yard from your cooking fire so it doesn't accidentally ignite from stray embers.

Step 3

Place the firebag in the middle of your grill or fire ring. Light the top of the bag with a butane lighter or long match. Wait for the material inside the bag to begin burning.

Step 4

Add pieces of kindling one at a time. Avoid smothering the firebag and putting out the fire by adding to much too quickly. Once the kindling begins burning strongly, add a larger piece of firewood, propped over the firebag so as not to block oxygen to the flames.

Step 5

Cook directly over the open flames using metal skewers held in the fire, or wait for the fire to burn down to hot coals and cook on a grill top placed over the hot embers. Use tongs to place the grill top so you don't burn yourself.

Tips & Warnings

Use just the firebag instead of starting a large cook fire if you just need to heat something up quickly.

Never build your fire near overhanging branches or close to your tents or other flammable items. Always keep a large bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. Don't include plastics or anything that may put off toxic smoke in your firebag.

Never build your fire near overhanging branches or close to your tents or other flammable items.

Always keep a large bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

Don't include plastics or anything that may put off toxic smoke in your firebag.

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

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