Fire Hole Safety
I saw someone post a diagram of a Fire Hole for Adventurers and Campers to cook with.
There is a problem with this sort of camp fire pity and that is ROOTS. When you dig the hole make sure it is away and clear of any and all roots, including grass roots. There are a many roots that tend to be much like fuses. They will catch a flame and it may end up traveling underground, setting off an unseen fire elsewhere. Be aware of smoke that looks like its coming out of the ground around your camp.
The worst part is, these underground fires are hard to put out and can travel on, unseen for miles. I am reminded of the Bell Valley Fire that started this very same way in the 70's. A camp of American tourists had dug a fire pit and thought it was all good. They never cleared the roots and the fired travelled underground. The end result pretty well burned the whole valley and lasted for 122 days. The valley is still recovering and several major landmarks were destroyed, lost forever including the museum and its artifacts.
Like ANY camp fire you build, be aware of the surroundings, Clear away leaves, sticks and roots in and around your camp. Even a leaf blown in the wind can cross your fire and ignite somewhere else when its lands. If you are digging a fire pit make sure its away from trees and large shrubs. And take the time to prune all roots out from the pit.
