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Posted by kutenay on March 4, 2008 at 4:06:49 pm EST
In reply to Tricks for fire on top of deep snow posted by WISam on March 3, 2008 at 4:15:22 pm EST

Here is what I have usually done, over many years and it works well.

Stomp snow down rockhard for about 10-12 ft. in diameter, let freeze.

Cut some GREEN logs, as thick as possible, Larch or Douglas Fir is best due to nearly fireproof bark, these should be 4 ft. in length or a bit more.

Build a SMALL fire, using bone-dry wood of fairly small dimensions, this used to be called a "teafire" in the center of your platform and you can usually keep a fire going this way over two hours if you do not build it too big.

Lots of work, CAN be done in B.C. type forests without marring the environment, IF, you are careful, but, I seldom bother as it is SO labour intensive.

Loggers here will build a fire against the cutbank of a new logging or skid road and you CAN find this type of bank due to natural geological processes and do the same. I DON'T as the fire heat can cause sluffing and even an avalanche in even timebered areas, I will not take ANY chances with avalanches.

Except in emergencies, building a fire against or just under a living tree, especially a Cedar is potentially a source of wildfire in the coming summer, this is NOT BS and also will severely impact the tree and scar it. If a dead snag, a fire may bring the tree down on top of you, so, avoid doing this unless you absolutely MUST have that fire and can camp away from it....seems a waste of heat, to me.

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