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Fire lays compared: teepee, log cabin, lean-to, star fire and top-down fire

How do I lay the wood – depending on what I need the fire for?

The way tinder, kindling and fuel wood are laid determines how quickly a fire catches, how long it lasts and whether it gives good embers for cooking. Five classic fire lays are compared. All of them assume that fire is permitted at the location, the wildfire danger allows it and a safe fire site is available. Burn times are deliberately not given – they depend on wood type, dryness and weather.

Starting situation
Legend
Select methods to compare side by sideMethodCatches quicklyGood embers for cookingBurns long with little tendingLittle preparation and woodShields the young flame from windStays small and easy to regulate
Teepee fire layYesPartlyNoYesDependsNo
Log cabin fire layPartlyYesPartlyPartlyPartlyPartly
Lean-to fire layPartlyNoNoYesYesYes
Star fireNoPartlyPartlyYesNoYes
Top-down (upside-down) fireNoYesYesNoDependsPartly

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Teepee fire lay

Effort:
Low
Needs:
Tinder bundle, kindling in several thicknesses
  • Catches quicklyYes

    Flames rise inside and quickly catch all the wood.

  • Good embers for cookingPartly

    Only once the teepee has collapsed and formed embers.

  • Burns long with little tendingNo

    Burns through wood quickly and collapses.

  • Little preparation and woodYes
  • Shields the young flame from windDepends

    Without a sheltered spot the young flame is easily pushed sideways.

  • Stays small and easy to regulateNo

    Tall flames and more flying sparks; embers and wood can roll sideways.

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Log cabin fire lay

Effort:
Moderate
Needs:
Straight sticks for stacking, small teepee or tinder bundle in the middle
  • Catches quicklyPartly

    Catches via the small teepee inside.

  • Good embers for cookingYes

    Even burn and a good ember bed.

  • Burns long with little tendingPartly
  • Little preparation and woodPartly

    Needs straight sticks and more work than a teepee.

  • Shields the young flame from windPartly

    In strong wind one side burns down faster.

  • Stays small and easy to regulatePartly
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Lean-to fire lay

Effort:
Low
Needs:
A thick log or a stick pushed in at an angle, tinder, kindling
  • Catches quicklyPartly
  • Good embers for cookingNo

    Rather small fire; for embers, build it up into another lay.

  • Burns long with little tendingNo
  • Little preparation and woodYes

    Works with little material.

  • Shields the young flame from windYes

    Its purpose – as long as the wind does not shift. It does not replace a sheltered spot.

  • Stays small and easy to regulateYes
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Star fire

Effort:
Low to moderate
Needs:
Several long pieces of wood, a small fire in the middle, space around it
  • Catches quicklyNo

    Is laid from an already burning small fire.

  • Good embers for cookingPartly

    For a small pot; little radiant heat for groups.

  • Burns long with little tendingPartly

    Very economical with wood, but the logs must be pushed in regularly.

  • Little preparation and woodYes

    Long logs do not need to be cut up.

  • Shields the young flame from windNo
  • Stays small and easy to regulateYes

    Fire size is finely regulated by pushing in the logs. The protruding logs are trip hazards.

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Top-down (upside-down) fire

Effort:
High, up front
Needs:
Plenty of prepared dry wood in graded thicknesses
  • Catches quicklyNo

    Slow start from the top downwards.

  • Good embers for cookingYes

    Stable embers.

  • Burns long with little tendingYes

    Its main advantage – if the preparation is sufficient.

  • Little preparation and woodNo

    If one layer is too wet or too thick, the chain breaks.

  • Shields the young flame from windDepends
  • Stays small and easy to regulatePartly

    Calm burn, but the size is fixed by how it was built.

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