Learn different fire lays and how they work, with practical guidance on choosing, building and using fire structures for warmth, cooking and outdoor activities.
The teepee fire lay is one of the simplest and most recognisable ways to arrange tinder, kindling and fuel when preparing a fire. It gets its name from its shape. Smaller pieces of wood are arranged around the tinder to create a roughly cone-shaped structure, similar to a traditional teepee. For Scouts learning about fire…
There are several different ways to arrange wood when building a fire, and each arrangement is known as a fire lay. The design you choose can affect how easily a fire lights, how quickly it develops, how much heat it produces and how long it continues to burn. For Scouts, learning different fire lays is…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Kindling is designed to catch fire relatively easily, so it should always be handled with care. Only light fires where they are permitted and where conditions are suitable. Keep flammable materials away from unintended ignition sources, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure you have a safe way to extinguish it…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Tinder is designed to catch fire easily, which also means it can ignite very quickly and unexpectedly. Only practise fire lighting where fires are permitted and under appropriate supervision. Keep flammable materials away from unintended sources of ignition and always have a safe way to extinguish a fire. Never collect or burn…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Fire can be useful outdoors, but it can also cause serious burns, wildfires and environmental damage. Only light fires where they are permitted and where it is safe to do so. Follow local rules, campsite instructions and any fire restrictions. Keep fires small and controlled, have suitable means of extinguishing them available,…
🔥 What Is a Fire Lay? A fire lay is the way you arrange your tinder, kindling and firewood before and during a fire. Different layouts change the way a fire: Learning fire lays is therefore about much more than knowing different shapes. You’re learning how to control a fire. A good fire lay should…
