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If the skier wishes to, or must, build a fire, he should choose a spot sheltered from wind and falling snow. This may be in the lee of a rock, in the shelter of a large conifer, or in a small grove of saplings which break the wind. After a prolonged, wet snowfall, or in regions where the forests are always wet, even the standing dead trees may hardly burn at all. Dead birch is often worthless; the wood is wet and punky within the bark. The bark, however, is excellent for starting a blaze. Dead hemlock is also likely to be rotten and wet, even though standing. Where oak is available, the dead branches offer the first choice for fire, and most oaks carry some dry, dead branches. Resinous, dead branches of most conifers burn well. These may be broken into small kindling material and, if wet, may be peeled off the soaked surface and ignited by use of a fire-making candle or a small amount of gasoline from the fuel supply. Or tinder may be shaved or split from the dry interior of branches. Small, standing dead maples which have not become rotten make good firewood after the blaze is well started if they are first dried out over the blaze. It is sometimes necessary, in storm, to pile the wood on the fire tepee-wise to protect the fire inside from snow and to dry the wood to the point where it will burn. Don't underestimate the quantity of wood that an all-night fire will require. |
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