Pagoda fire

The pagoda fire is a fine campfire for outings, and easy to build. It resembles an Asian pagoda temple — hence the name. This type of fire burns fast and hot, and works well when, for example, you want a large pot of food over the fire — for a whole school class, say.

Used for: Cooking.

Illustration: Henrik Lerdahl, Trondhjems Turistforening.

How to build a pagoda fire

1. Lay two large logs parallel at the base, about 20 cm apart.
2. On top of them, lay two more logs crosswise — continue for a couple of layers upwards.
3. Inside the “pagoda” stand smaller pieces of split wood on end, ideally in a pyramid with tinder innermost.
4. Light it at the top — the pagoda fire is top-lit, so you light it from above and let the heat burn downwards.

Pagoda fire. Photo: Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide.

The pagoda fire is top-lit and therefore works well in damp weather or deep snow — the heat dries the wood underneath as it burns.

More about campfires

Tipi fire · Nying · Cooking pit · Kubben · Log cabin fire / winter fire · Types of campfire (overview) · Cooking over a campfire

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