The Dakota Fire Hole

This method of cooking has been used by many different indigenous people around the world. It is, in my opinion, the best way to cook food out in the wild. Though it requires extra work in order to construct, the advantageous far outweigh the energy expended.

Camp-fires that are built on top of the ground suffer from the effects of nature. Even a slight wind will cause a campfire to rapidly consume itself. Wind fans the flames, and oftentimes results in ashes and cinders being blown into the cooking pot, or coating the game meat being roasted above the fire.

The Dakota Fire Holes uses less fuel because the flames are not exposed directly to the wind.
Additionally; the fact that the fire is centered within the confines of a small area, makes for a much hotter flame. It also reduces the light signature, and since there is not wind affecting the fire, the smoke signature is likewise reduced. Both of these factors contribute greatly to a survivalist that needs to make a fire, but still wants to maintain a low profile.

To Build A Dakota Fire Hole:

• Dig down into the earth about 18 inches. Clear away all of the exposed roots, and rocks.

• Dig another hole about one foot away; right beside the Fire Hole. Keep them both at the same depth.
  This is the AIR HOLE.

• Reach into the second hole and scoop out a tunnel from the FIRE HOLE leading into the AIR HOLE. The tunnel should be at least 6-8" inches in diameter. You should be able to place your fist through the hole.

• In the bottom of the FIRE HOLE; begin by arranging combustible fire starter/tinder.
  Follow this with twigs that are about 4-6 inches long, and about 1/2 inch in diameter.
  Build up successive twig piles that are thicker; until you have at least 6-8 inches of a log-cabin (looking) pile of twigs.

• Using a heavy straight piece of wood. Grind this down into the center of the twigs and combustibles.
  Layer several different pieces of firewood against the center pole in a Tee-Pee fashion.

Alternatively; placing a series of sticks in the upright position, and packing them tightly around the circumference of the hole, will create a very hot jet-stream of flame.


Stack the pieces of wood crossways in one direction, and then in the other directions. Kind of like you are building a solid wood base.
The wood at the bottom is larger in diameter, and each successive row/layer of wood pieces gets slightly smaller in diameter.
Finally, at the top build a Fire Tee-Pee that will get everything rolling.

This can also be called an UPSIDE DOWN FIRE; as the small pieces of wood at the top, will eventually create coals which ignite the large peieces of wood underneath it. The fire will be very hot, and last three times as long as an above ground fire. This is a perfect set-up for quickly boiling drinking water, or to spit-roast fresh meat.

Building circle of rocks around the top of the Dakota Fire Hole will likewise force the flame straight up with a slight roar that can be heard. The rocks themseves will get very hot, and these can be used later for heating-up a cold bed, or boiling water to purify it. But be warned; NEVER use rocks taken from a riverbed, or a stream. The rocks are porouse, and the tiny air pocket imbedded inside of the rock will expand with the heat, and then explode--sending shrapnle around the camp.
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