Fire rings

[Red Badger]

we all know that metal fire rings are most likely a modren invention and that the true mountain man had more important things to haul up the mountain than a metal ring to contain his fire.  Most of them would use a pit or rocks to contain the fire when they had one, I get the impression that most times unles they were in a known safe area the fire if they had one at all was kept very small to make detection by hostile neighbors more difficult.

That being said as a way of introduction to the topic, how do you contain your fire in this modern day and age? 

I personally have and use two fire rings one made from a 15 inch steel rim from a pickup with the center cut out of it, and a steel rim from a semi truck also made of steel.  they may not be PC but fire safety is nothing to take for granted especially since our camps are made of canvas...

[crazell]

I've dug pits and used rocks to contain the fire. Out here some people use the washing machine tub. It works great, Has all the holes for even burning. some have welded top grates or solid steel to the top for cooking on. Cut doors in the side to put wood in it, and a stove pipe and legs. I'll take a picture tomorrow and post the one we used a few times.

[Dogshirt]

I have used the semi rim for about 20 years. Kind of heavy, but I've never had
problems with the fire getting away!

[old salt]

I use a 12" X 24"  by 10" deep  metal box with grate on top and 12" legs. get it up so I do not have get down on the ground.

[pathfinder]

Shallow hole with the dirt piled around it. Clear debris from the area and don't build a bonfire.

[gordy]

     Most of the folks out my way use the inner tub from an automaic washer. I have used the outer tub by punching a few holes around the bottom , but the perforated inner tub really builds heat fast and will consume most any wood even if somewhat green. The multiple holes act like a vanturi .
    Just my opinion , but for the most part I doubt that wild fires were a big concern to the oldtimers. Its only been in the last few years that the conservation depts discovered the fires actually helped the natural growth cycle.
                                                           

[Rev]

I produce & sell these. Made from half a propane bottle & fits over the top of my 5 gallon water jug, so it literally takes up no room, other than the tripod, which comes apart & takes up almost no space. The reason I went this way? Simple, wash tubs & wheels & such take up way too much space! This can also run on propane when they won't allow wood fires... Also has a lid from a 5 gallon canning pot that I keep underneath to catch any hot ash that falls thru the whole in the bottom where the valve used to be. When I want to go to bed, put on lid. No problems...



That is my good friend Fairy Boots, lounging by the fire
He never would have wore that first pair of cheesy mocs if he knew how long camp names can last. Pity his poor wife who go's by Mrs. Fairy Boots...
BTW, that log he is leaning on is actually his cooler, plastic & foam lined. Not sure where he got it, but it blends in pretty well...

[Dogshirt]

Really like the cooler! See if you can find out please. Also, I like your fire set up.
I started using the semi rim because someone left it in our elk camp site. It worked
really well when I had the Scout troop.

[Watauga]

Really like the cooler! See if you can find out please. Also, I like your fire set up.
I started using the semi rim because someone left it in our elk camp site. It worked
really well when I had the Scout troop.

It seems that more and more places are going the with "no Ground Fire" Rules.
Rev has a nice set up for sure!
The Cooler is awesome too!

[crazell]

Love that cooler. You'd just have to let everyone not to split  or throw in the fire...

[Red Badger]

I too like Rev's set up and am seriously thinking of either duplicating it or buying one.  My big fire ring (the Semi rim) has slots cut into it to allow air flow.... and it weighs enough (about 50 lbs) to sink into the ground so when I am done with it and add water the water stays in the ring until the embers are cold.  I am worried about the fact that the dry conditions are going to make any open fire illegal this year...

I also would like more information about the cooler!  I am making a wooden box to store my cooler in but for right now I just cover it with canvas

[Dogshirt]

Love that cooler. You'd just have to let everyone not to split  or throw in the fire...

In my camp that would constitute alcohol abuse! "Get a rope!"

[crazell]

I 2nd that emotion!! Is what you would get....

[Hammerhead]

where do i find a cooler like that. good place to keep "koolaid"

[Dogshirt]

Koolaid, riiiiiiiiight, uh huh!