Quick Answer
CHARCOAL IS NOT IDEAL FOR A COUNCIL FIRE LAY, BUT IT CAN BE USED IN A PINCH. IT DOES NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SUSTAINED HEAT TO EFFECTIVELY HEAT COAL TO THE POINT WHERE IT WILL BURN SUSTAINABLY. INSTEAD, COAL IS BEST USED TO PROVIDE A LAYER OF HEAT-RETAINING MASS.
Preparing a Council Fire Bed
To lay a council fire, start by clearing a circle of about 10-15 feet in diameter of leaves, twigs, and other combustible materials. Next, create a bed of coals by carefully placing small, dry pieces of coal in a ring pattern. You will want to leave a small space in the center of the ring for kindling.
Choosing the Right Wood
Council fires rely on a combination of tinder, kindling, and larger logs to produce sustained heat. When selecting wood for your fire, choose dry, seasoned logs that are at least 3-4 inches in diameter. Avoid using green or damp wood, as it will not burn efficiently and may produce excessive smoke.
Building the Fire
Once you have prepared your council fire bed and selected your wood, it’s time to build the fire. Start by adding a small amount of tinder to the center of the ring, followed by a few pieces of kindling. Arrange the larger logs around the outside of the ring, leaving space for air to flow between them. Gently blow on the tinder to ignite the fire, and then add larger logs as needed to sustain the flames.
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