Complete Book of Fire: Building Campfires for Warmth, Light, Cooking, and Survival

by Buck Tilton

TO BUILD A FIRE , feel heat, smell smoke, hear snaps and groans, watch flames dance, and gaze into glowing coals is the ultimate outdoor comfort. A campfire gives warmth, sheds light, dries clothes, calms fears, and draws a day in the outdoors to a pleasant close. But when a campfire becomes a matter of life or death, there is no room for error. The Complete Book of Building Campfires for Warmth, Light, Cooking and Survival provides the knowledge and confidence you need to stay alive. With a focus on safety and the Integrity of the outdoors, The Complete Book of Fire initiates the novice and informs the experienced. Integrating the history, ecology, and science of fire with practical aspects of campfires such as cooking and comfort, author and outdoor expert Buck Tilton has created the ultimate guide to properly building, enjoying, and extinguishing campfires. From cooking a hot meal to providing life-giving warmth, The Complete Book of Building Campfires for Warmth, Light, Cooking, and Survival covers it all. ”Anyone can make fire on a dry, balmy day. But add wind and rain, and where there’s smoke there may not be fire! Everything you could want to know about making fires for fun, warmth, comfort, cooking, and survival is here.”
―Cliff Jacobson, internationally known wilderness canoe guide and author of more than 12 outdoor guides ”Buck Tilton, who has traveled the world rafting, hiking, and climbing, captures the essence of fire building. Buck’s first-hand experience makes this book a must read for anyone using the great outdoors.”
―Darryl R. Miller, South District Ranger, Denali National Park and Preserve “ The Complete Book of Fire is filled with significant insights into safely and enjoyably trekking in the wild outdoors. It is a must-read for anyone who ventures into the backcountry.”
―David Bates, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics board member, elected member of the Explorers Club

Genres: Nonfiction

114 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2005

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does a decent job of broadly covering the subject of fire without diving too deeply into any given facet. For example, history, chemistry, the making of, ethics, qualities of wood, cooking on/in/over, wild fires and the effects of fire upon the human body.

[Bianka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a refresher before camping trips.

[Jeremiah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that isn't super deep. This offers enough for people starting to learn about fire. Some great info about fire-starting, and cooking.