A Dakota fire hole requires much less firewood and burns more efficiently, producing hotter fires with less wood. This makes it a very valuable wilderness survival technique in places where firewood is scarce or requires much effort to obtain.
It also creates a stable platform that is very convenient for cooking.
The fire is concealed within a hole limiting the amount of visible light emitted and smoke is also decreased because the wood is burning hotter and more efficiently.
Learned this in the Boy Scouts back in the 1960s.
Boy Scout stuff. Works great in windy conditions.
They make very little smoke too!
Why is there always some know it all enviro idiot that always weighs in. Makenus all a deal. If you ever find yourself in need of this tactic just decide to not do it. try not telling the rest of us what to do.
Hiked Franconia Notch last year, windy and rainy the first few nights…this worked great…yup, agree light fro other side and be sure there are not a lot of root systems nearby…be mindful to be away from small brush and trees.great little fire for above treeline open areas. The small grate/screen for cooking base is also a great idea…close/small mesh chicken wire or a disposable grill top works.
Hey jordan
Keep this in mind
this is great
White man heap crazy, build big fire, sit way back.
How is the wood burning hotter with a lot less air?
Bod, Have you built one yet?