Log cabin fire lay

The small teepee in the core makes for a quick start. Its flames rise and catch the log cabin sticks from the inside. Because the sticks lie crosswise, they support each other – the fire stays stable and does not suddenly fall over like a teepee.

The gaps between the layers are like many small windows. Air flows evenly through them to the fire from all sides. The fire burns from the inside out and from the top down. In the end a flat, evenly hot layer of embers remains that gives off heat for a long time.

You need sticks that are as straight as possible. Crooked pieces wobble, roll away and make the stack tip over. The lower layers can be a little thicker, getting thinner towards the top. That way the rising flame first reaches the pieces that burn most easily.

The layers must not be too tight. There should be clear space between two sticks of the same layer, otherwise the fire gets too little air. Do not build the stack too big either – a knee-high tower is usually far too much for a cooking fire. A few layers are enough.

Leave a gap on the windward side so you can light the core. If you want a fire that burns longer by itself, you can lay a few thin sticks loosely across the top as a lid.

The log cabin is the classic cooking fire. It produces an even bed of embers on which pots and pans stand steadily or on which you can place a grill. It also suits a calm evening fire because it burns in a stable, predictable way.

However, it needs more preparation than a teepee and a fair amount of straight sticks. If you are in a hurry or only have crooked branches, a simpler lay is better. In strong wind, the side facing the wind burns down faster – then you should site the fire out of the wind or straighten it more often.

Check the local rules and current wildfire danger before every fire; fire bans always apply. Choose an existing fire site or a spot on bare ground, well away from tents, trees and dry grass. Never pour flammable liquids onto the fire.

When cooking you get close to the fire. Place pots so they cannot tip over, and touch hot handles only with a cloth or glove. Cool burns immediately with cool, not ice-cold, running water. For large or deep burns, burns to the face or hands and burns in children, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

A bed of embers often looks harmless but stays very hot for a long time. At the end, put it out thoroughly with plenty of water, stir and check that nothing is still warm.

The log cabin lay is widespread in scouting and outdoor guides. It combines two advantages: the quick start of a small teepee and the stability of crossed layers.

A related idea is the top-down fire, in which the thick logs lie at the bottom and the fire is lit at the top. Both lays use crossed layers but differ in where the fire starts. It is worth trying both and comparing them.