According to History.com, the oldest “unequivocal” evidence of human mastery of fire dates back between 300,000 and 400,000 years. That’s so long ago that in fact the very term “human” is not entirely accurate – it’s entirely possible that the first hominids who harnessed fire were of the neanderthal and homo erectus species. Regardless, suffice it to say that we have been crafting, enjoying, and depending upon fires for a long time.

Of course, knowing all that only makes it more frustrating when it’s legitimately hard to get your campfire crackling away! But knowing how to build a fire is a critical skill for the family of campers, the long-distance trekker, the mountaineer, and, really, for all of us. Because while sure, if you’re wondering how to build a fire in a fire pit for your cozy campsite, the lack of said fire may mean less coziness, not to mention a lack of s’mores, but if you’re wondering how to make a fire in the wild, it may be a survival situation.

Given the importance of knowing how to make a fire, we decided to talk to the experts. In this case, that expert is Joe Brown, co-founder of the outdoor hardware company Outdoor Element. Along with Outdoor Element co-founder Michael Mojica – a former aerospace engineer who turned his mind to designing gear for outdoor enthusiasts like you – Brown spends a lot of his time thinking about the products that will help people have the most enjoyable and safest time in the outdoors, and about proper use of that hardware, too. So when we asked him for tips on how to build a good campfire, he had plenty to offer.

“Making a campfire is probably 90% preparation,” Joe replied. “Don’t rush it. Too many people jump right in to making a flame and then struggle because they didn’t spend the proper prep time, which really doesn’t need to take too long.” 

“First, choose a good spot, with a proper fire ring and space cleared of easily flammable items,” he said. “Gather downed firewood, preferably dry wood, shaving off some small tinder, splitting some into kindling, and stacking some thicker pieces of wood – ideally less than five inches across – that are as dry and seasoned as possible.” 

“Then, build your structure (think tepee, log cabin, pyramid, or lean-to style) with kindling at the bottom, tinder on top and thicker wood around all that. Leave a space to get to the lower kindling.”

“Next, light a piece of tinder and apply the lit piece to the bottom tinder of your structure, ensuring air gets to the fire – camping bellows work very well here. Finally, add wood as needed, never leave it unattended, and enjoy!”

Oh, and one more thing Joe Brown added: “When [you’re] done with the fire, ensure you properly extinguish it with water and/or dirt, and then clean up the area.”