Supporting Your Outdoor Experience

Finding a suitable place to start a fire

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 There are many variables that affect how successful or how comfortable an outdoor fire would be for cooking. You should consider the following points when choosing a location to do your cooking. The variables includes:
 
Ground Quality
You would want to look for something that is hard but not too hard. If you are willing to use brute force to dig, you can overcome the disadvantage of a hard ground. A large amount of stones and compacted soil are examples of hard ground. You need to be careful if you are starting a fire on a soft ground. Sand makes a good surface to start a fire but mud does not. You should also avoid starting fires on steep slopes as the fire pit would be difficult to build and is dangerous to you.
 
No Low Overhanging Branches / ShrubsRoots are a sign that the location is bad for digging
Do not choose locations where there are low overhanging branches or shrubs or any other kind of vegetation. All of these will cause problems such as making it difficult to dig a pit, trapping smoke and usually you will find a large amount of insects in such places. However, you should also keep not too far from such places as there is usually alot of firewood and tinder available from such places.
 
No roots
Being a certain distance from trees does not guarantee that you will avoid roots. Check the area you want to dig carefully for roots as it will make digging difficult and also you may harm the tree. Visible root (those above the surface of the ground) almost always means there is more that you cannot see.
 
No Dried Vegetation
Large amounts of dried grass or any other type vegetation pose a fire hazard. A stray amber or spark could start a large unwanted fire. Always make sure the ground is clear of such vegetation and if it is not and you still wish to use it, clear it well. If you clear it, take note that a fire could restart from dying amber after you are done cooking, so cover the pit well and if possible, dose the amber. Be aware that sometimes the SCDF posts dry weather warnings when there is a prolonged period of no rain. Avoid outdoor cooking during such periods.
 
Close to a water source
This is an advantage, but not that critical. Being near a fire source will help you control a fire if it gets out of control. However, you can mitigate this by bringing a bucket of water for emergencies.
 
No insects or animals in vicinity
Ants, centipedes, bees and wasps are fairly common in Singapore. Look out for them when selecting a pit as they could sting or bite if encountered. Also be wary of of insects when picking up dried wood for your fire. Some dead wood will have Near housing and pavements are a bad place to start a fire and most likely is illegalinsects like termites and ants. Keep an eye out for animals. Stray dogs and crows could be a nuisance while snakes could cause serious harm. Do not provoke any animals and instead choose another location.
 
Underground Infrastructure
Singapore is a highly developed country and there is a real chance you will encounter pipes, wiring and lines if you dig deep. Just be alert while digging and sometimes there are signboards posted to let people know what is below. If you encounter any of these by chance, stop digging immediately and cover back the hole.
 
No Open Fires
Many places in Singapore prohibit open fire by posting signs (for example in Maman Beach, Pulau Ubin). Do not go against the law and start fires in such places. Also avoid places where you would be a nuisance to the public like near HBD flats or by cycling trails, etc.

Start cooking with your own butane stove | And don't forget canisters for fuel.
 

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