How much fatwood is needed for a one-night campfire?

Identifying Fatwood

When searching for fatwood, look for dead or dying pine trees, especially those with a history of insect infestation. The resinous fatwood typically forms a distinctive yellow or orange core within the tree’s center, making it easily recognizable. This core is what you want to collect, as it contains the most flammable material.

Preparing Fatwood for Use

Cut the fatwood into manageable sticks, about 1 inch in diameter and 6-8 inches long. You can also shave off a thin layer of bark from each stick to increase its surface area and promote better airflow. This will help the fatwood burn more efficiently and produce a more consistent flame.

Building a Fatwood Fire

Begin by creating a fire bed using dry tinder, such as dry leaves or grass. Arrange the tinder in a teepee shape and place a small amount of kindling around it. Next, place one or two fatwood sticks on top of the kindling, leaving space between them for air to flow. Light the tinder with a match or lighter, and once the kindling starts to burn, gently blow on the fire to encourage the fatwood to take hold. As the fatwood ignites, add more kindling and larger logs to build the fire up to the desired size.