Northwest Hiking

The easiest to deal with when building fires, dry conditions mean quick fires, but they also mean that fire hazards from dry underbrush could potentially start forest or brush fires.  There are two types of dry areas to be concerned with.  The first is desert areas with little to no brush and vegetation.  These include places like the Sahara, but for more practically purposes we’ll think about Death Valley in California.

Dry places like these are extremely difficult when trying to start fires, but pose little danger when it comes to ignition sources due to the low amounts of vegetation.  Caution should be exercised anywhere near brush and trees, but in general, finding firewood is going to be harder than anything.

The next kind of dry regions that exist are places such as eastern Washington.  These have high amounts of vegetation, such as sagebrush, and are usually somewhat to extremely arid.  Brush fires are easy to start and the large expanses of land covered in low vegetation produces prime brush fire conditions.

In either of these conditions and in others that exist, it is extremely important to remember several things:

1. Fires will start much easier, even with larger pieces of material.  Thus, they are easier to start and maintain, but can spread easily and quickly.
2. A fire ring should be built 36″ in diameter in which you will build a fire.
3. 6 feet around this, a fire proof fire line should be built that consists of only dirt or stones.  No brush or combustible material should be present at all.
4. Keep an eye on your fire, keep it going for a longer amount of time by adding green material, and be ready to extinguish it if necessary.

Remember to be safe out there.  Stay tuned for wet condition fire building and more tips on fire starting.  Happy trails!

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