Choose a safe, legal location away from buildings, trees, dry grass, and overhanging branches
Check weather and fire restrictions before starting
Gather tinder, kindling, and fuel wood
Use dry tinder such as dry leaves, paper, bark, or cotton
Use small dry sticks for kindling
Use larger dry logs for fuel
Clear a fire area down to bare soil or use a fire ring
Keep water, dirt, or a fire extinguisher nearby
Arrange tinder loosely in the center
Build kindling around the tinder in a teepee or log cabin shape
Leave space for air to flow
Light the tinder with a match, lighter, or fire starter
Add kindling gradually as the flame grows
Add fuel wood only after the kindling is burning well
Feed the fire slowly to avoid smothering it
Never leave the fire unattended
Fully extinguish the fire with water
Stir the ashes and add more water
Repeat until everything is cold to the touch
Dispose of ashes only when completely cool