Follow these simple steps to build a successful, and safe, campfire:

1. Gather materials. There are three basic materials needed to begin a fire: kindling, sticks and large pieces of wood.
2. Put two handfuls of kindling into a small pile. You can compact the pile into one softball-sized ball. The ball should be placed in the center of the fire pit or fire ring.
3. Using your small sticks of kindling, build a small tepee around the kindling ball. Align your sticks at a 45-degree angle to the ground, being sure to leave some gaps in the tepee to allow oxygen to circulate inside the tepee.
4. Using your medium-sized sticks, form a cabin styled structure around your tepee. Do this by placing two sticks on the ground outside the tepee, parallel to each other. Form a square by adding another two sticks. Repeat, until your cabin structure is 5-6 layers high. Note: Make sure the ends of your cabin overlap, so that your structure stays in place and continues to ignite larger pieces of wood.
5. Add the larger pieces of wood. Place several nice-sized pieces of wood on two sides of the cabin you have just built. Now, rest two or three tiny branches or sticks on top of your cabin that touch both the cabin foundation and the large chunks of wood you have just added. Be careful not to add too many sticks to the top of the cabin or air will not be able to circulate, and your fire will die out.
6. Light your fire. Light a match and place it in between one of the gaps of your tepee or on the bottom of your cabin. If your fire ignites correctly, it should begin burning the kindling first, spread to your cabin within a few moments, and then, ignite the larger pieces of wood, as well. You can encourage "wet fires" or hard-to-light fires by adding a few more pieces of kindling and sticks to the fire as it continues the ignition process. Blowing gently around the base of the fire will also help to get past the kindling stage.

• ALWAYS remember that fire can ignite a multitude of materials, including tents, clothing and picnic tables. Build your campfire at a safe distance and keep people at least three feet from fire's flames.
• Using a metal fire pan (available at most outdoor shops) or a campsite provided fire ring is the safest, easiest way to keep a fire under control. If one is not available, dig a fire pit and line it with small stones.
• Remember that high winds can spread fire quickly. Look for an area that is shielded from strong gusts.
• Fireplace starters, which are sold in brick form, work well for starting a fire in rainy conditions.
• Every campfire that's started also needs to be put out. Whether or not it looks like you still have ashes smoldering, it's safest to dump a pail or two of water into the fire pit before leaving the area. If fire still smokes after adding water, shovel a few clumps of dirt on top of the coals.
• In windy conditions, using a barbeque grill lighter is helpful.
• It's not impossible to build a fire during a rainstorm. The easiest way is to find an area that is at least semi-protected from moisture and downpours. Many camping areas provide partially enclosed fire pits. Nonflammable tarps also work well. When lighting a fire during a rainstorm, you'll likely need a chemical fire starter of some sort.