How to Keep a Fire Going All Night: Long Fires, Banking and Fire Watch

Step by step

1. 

   1 Check rules, wind and dryness

   Only plan a night fire where fires are allowed, the fire danger is low and the wind is light. Otherwise put it out before bed and rely on your sleep system.

2. 

   2 Gather a full night of wood

   Before dark, collect about 25–30 kg of dry wood for ten hours, mostly thick hardwood, sorted by size and stacked within reach.

3. 

   3 Build a long fire with a reflector

   Lay two thick logs parallel, about 1.5–2 m in front of a canvas lean-to, with a reflector wall 0.5–1 m behind the fire. Tents stay at least 5 m away.

4. 

   4 Bank the coals before sleeping

   Rake the coals together, lay thick hardwood close to them and dust the edges with ash. A banked fire burns slower, but it is not out.

5. 

   5 Keep a fire watch

   One person stays awake in shifts, checks every 30–60 minutes, rolls logs together, adds one at a time and watches sparks, wind and water.

6. 

   6 Relight, then put it out properly

   In the morning, uncover the coals and add fine kindling. Before you leave, drown, stir and feel until everything is cold.