Pit Fires are a craze on YouTube which drives me nuts for the following reason.
How it is done and why it should not be used:
A vertical pit is dug into the ground to a depth of a foot or more. An angled hole is then dug beside the main hole and intersects the main pit at the bottom.
This provides air to the fire which will be stoked in the main pit. The setup provides for a very efficient fire which is relatively smokeless; however, there is a major issue with this technique being used in forests.
Forest floors are comprised of a layer of humus which is extremely combustible. A fire lit within this layer poses a major threat because of its ability to spread unseen for hours.
I have witnessed this kind of fire spread and it is scary to say the least.
The fire had traveled at least 20 feet from it's origin to where I was walking - bare foot.
When I scraped the ground with a stick, flames erupted and then mass panic ensued.
Luckily, there was a pressurized water source nearby which was used to extinguish the fire.
Had I not discovered the fire - by happenstance - the forest would have erupted in flame. All of this was the fault of myself and my fellow campers.
We were; at the time, novices and had no idea that our actions could have had serious consequences.
I produced this video with the hope that fellow campers will opt for one of the alternatives shown or devise another which will be safe for them and the forest in which they choose to camp.
Wander and Wonder.
