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.
Nice info. To much talking.
Remember doing this on the Mississippi River David Coston ……ahh seems like yesterday
This reminds me of an Old Indian Proverb “Indian builds small fire, stay warm by sitting close. White man builds big fire, stay warm by carrying wood.”
Use less wood and the driest you can find and it will not leave a smoke signature. Heat a few larger igneous rocks for radiant, smoke free heat for a small survival shelter. Great idea.
Buy a bic.
I was making those when i was 12yrs. old. Good to see.
Shawn Blake What do you think?
Reminds me of when I was in Boy Scouts.. 🙂
Low impact is something that all responsible outdoor enthusiasts should not only practice, but share with newcomers. I was lucky enough to have one of the greatest jobs in the military as a U.S. Air Force Survival Instructor. It is always a pleasure to share and learn new techniques while hiking in the Great Smokey Mts. You are never too old to learn or share knowledge that will save our resources for future generations.
I stacked bricks around mine and added a charcoal grate and domed lid.