Developed through Swiss research, this method is designed for greater energy efficiency and cleaner combustion, resulting in less smoke and a more environmentally friendly fire. Recommended by researchers, survivalists, fire departments, and environmental organizations, the Swiss method is worth mastering. Here's how to do it.
The Swiss Method: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare a variety of firewood sizes: large logs, smaller logs that ignite easily, kindling sticks about 3 x 3 cm, and smaller dry sticks. You can also use a K-LUMET firestarter if available.
Step 2: Arrange the largest logs at the bottom of your oven in a square formation, parallel to each other. Leave sufficient space for air to circulate and for the firelighters that will be placed in the center. Ensure the structure is stable to support the fire as it burns.
Step 3: Create the next layer using smaller logs, placing them perpendicular to the bottom layer. Maintain gaps for oxygen flow and space for firelighters. Keep adding layers until all the small logs are used up.
Step 4: Place the kindling on top, arranging it in a cross-hatch pattern to form a square.
Step 5: Insert tinder or a fire-starting material between the kindling sticks. Choose tinder that can be easily ignited with a firestarter, lighter, or match.
Step 6: Light the tinder using a match or lighter. Observe how the top layers ignite quickly with minimal smoke.
Step 7: After about an hour, the top layers will turn into hot coals, transferring heat to the lower layers and causing them to combust. The fire will continue to burn downward without the need to add more wood. To keep the fire going longer, you can add a log or a layer of logs, which will be ignited by the burning ashes.
Step 8: If you no longer need the fire, let it burn out gradually by not adding new wood. If you need to extinguish it quickly, cover it with sand instead of cutting off the oxygen supply or adding water.
The Swiss Method
By following these steps, you can create a fire that is efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly.
