FIRECRAFT AWARD

LOG CABIN-COUNCIL FIRE
Back to Firecraft Home

REQUIREMENTS

1

List fire safety rules including the requirements of a good fire site.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
Check also the Boy Scouts of America Handbook

If possible use already constructed fire rings. Otherwise, dig down through the organic matter completely to the next soil horizon. This will enable the ground and vegetation to recover when you leave and replace the sod. Use rocks if available as a break to keep embers from jumping. A good method employed by the Scouts is to lay a bed of rocks with the fire being built on top to protect the soil. Do not place directly under a tree or within 15 feet of ground brush. Use common sense. A big fire is nonsense to have for a true woodsman. Utilize rocks, natural breaks, proper fire types, and other methods to maximize heat. Never leave a lit firesite unattended. Be knowledgeable of the area you are camping in. Know the dry season. Be READY to use proper firfighting techniques should you need to.

2

Assemble and explain the use of campsite firefighting equipment.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
FM-21-76 SURVIVAL / US Army
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook

3

Following all fire safety rules, demonstrate your ability to start a fire by each of the following methods:
a. One match
b. Flint and steel
c. Bow and drill
d. Metal Match
e. Magnifying glass

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
FM-21-76 SURVIVAL / US Army
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook

4

Demonstrate building six different types of fires, explaining their purposes.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
FM-21-76 SURVIVAL / US Army
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook

5

Cook at least 3 meals using three types of fires.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
FM-21-76 SURVIVAL / US Army
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook

6

Demonstrate your ability to correctly use at least one type of camp stove.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook

7

Explain fire-fighting procedures in the following settings:
a. Home
b. Woods
c. Open field

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook

8

Assemble and use six forms of tinder.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
FM-21-76 SURVIVAL / US Army
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook

9

Investigate and list other methods of safe fire lighting.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
(metal match)
Look in Adventures in Camping Chapter 14, (survival)
FM-21-76 SURVIVAL / US Army
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook
High school chemistry text books regarding oxidation reagents

There are several ways to start fires. One must simply remember the requirements of "life" for a fire. 1)Fuel 2)Oxygen 3)Heat or Ignition

Special lighting methods include:

Potassium Permanganate added to Glycerin-> KMnO4 + glycerin = fire. Make a small funnel with paper, add the KMnO4 and then seven to ten minutes before you want your fire to spontaneously light, add the glycerin. This is great for council fires.

Another method is to use DOT 4 Brake fluid and add this over pure chlorine tablets or powder in the same manner. This method takes less time to react.

You can also use:

Bow and Drill
Flint and Steel

Two D cell Flashlight batteries, connect wire to the + and - ends, and touch it to 0000 super fine steel wool mixed with cotten. It helps to prepare this before hand, by inter-twining the two materials, then let stand outside in a small container filled with lighter fluid. Leave uncovered. The fluid will dry and its chemical residues will enhance your materials lighting ability. Place these items in your firebuilding or survival kit.

10

Investigate and list methods of coloring flames.

Answer:
Look in Adventures in Camping
FM-21-76 SURVIVAL / US Army
The Boy Scouts of America Handbook
High school chemistry text books regarding flame tests

Cupric Chloride for blue/green flames.

11

Plan and conduct an outpost council fire, provide a unique fire-lighting method, and plan and conduct the program which includes a devotional and other activities.

Answer: