How to Make Smoke Signals

Smoke signals were used in China to send messages along the Great Wall of China. Native Americans also used them to communicate across long distances. You can create your own secret smoke signal with your fellow campers. Create a smudge fire with grass and leaves to generate more smoke. Use a blanket to send signals and master your technique to send various shapes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Kindling Fuel Grass Leaves Blanket Signal
Kindling
Fuel
Grass
Leaves
Blanket
Signal

Step 1

Find a location on a hill or visible area safely away from tents. The area should be relatively free of tall trees so your smoke can be seen from long distances. Look for a flat area where you can easily collect kindling for your fire.

Step 2

Build your kindling and firewood and start a fire. A douse of fuel can help get your flames going quickly. Secure the area and clear aside any debris or brush that could catch on fire.

Step 3

Let the fire burn down to embers and cover with a layer of green grass or leaves to create a smoky effect.

Step 4

Decide what kind of signal you want to send. You can use Morse code or work out your own code with fellow campers. Don't use S-O-S, as campers in other areas may read your signal as a distress call.

Step 5

Use a fire-retardant blanket to fan over your fire. Don't allow the blanket to rest too long. Simply fan over or lay it on top of the fire for a moment if needed. You will need to adjust your technique depending on the amount of smoke you're generating, the wind and the intensity of your fire.

Step 6

Try some of the universal smoke signals. Use one puff for "attention," two puffs for "all is well" and three puffs for "danger or trouble."

Step 7

Send smoke signals back and forth to other campers in the area. Try to send longer messages and perfect your new technique of communication.

Tips & Warnings

Do not burn poison ivy or poison oak leaves. Other campers with intense sensitivities could ingest it. Check your campground regulations before starting a fire. Never leave a fire unattended.

Do not burn poison ivy or poison oak leaves. Other campers with intense sensitivities could ingest it.

Check your campground regulations before starting a fire.

Never leave a fire unattended.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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