BITF Challenge: Life of a fire
I propose a "field" challenge, that is a bit dangerous, very time consuming, but also very educational.
I realize that most of us are "weekend warriors" who work at least 5 days a week. In that respect, many of us won't be able to take this challenge beyond a few days.
The Challenge:
How long can you keep a fire going? Start a fire, and don't let it go out!
Fire area must be cleaned BEFORE starting your fire. No leaves, sticks or debris within 3 feet of your fire!!
1. You can start the fire with whatever method you prefer, from sticks to bics.
2. you can move the fire using whatever method you prefer, but you must use a coal from the original fire, from cigars, to baskets, to mushrooms (I don't recommend using your bare hands).
3. You may use your hotali (breath) to blow on coals to rekindle the fire, although traditionally, this was forbidden.
4. At NO POINT should the fire be left untended. Not even to gather more tinder. An untended fire is a destructive force. Please be responsible with fire! Enlist the help of a friend, spouse, or one of your children but DO NOT leave the fire unattended!!! Not even for a minute!
5. When all coals and sparks are extinguished the challenge is over. Post your results. Pictures would be nice, but not necessary.
6. Continuity is key to this challenge, but you may extinguish the fire at any time you choose. This ends the challenge, but you may start over any time.
*this challenge is based on the honor system. Don't cheat yourself or others. There is no "prize" to be won, only knowledge and security.
If this is a bad idea, Mods please remove the post.
At the boy scout event, I was appalled by pouring water on the fire at bedtime. I thought, "how are we going to cook breakfast and coffee?" I suppose I am from a different world than their "manual" comes from.
The lessons here are many. It will teach responsibility, foremost, and help folks try to think of clever ways of doing things which limit your ability to use your hands.
fire starting and building (increasing)
feeding the fire and enkindling
banking fire
transporting fire
One of the things that united all the ancient people in my area, is One Fire. At the Busk, a priest would start a fire, and at the end of the celebration, each tribe would get a coal from that great Fire. They were tasked with getting the fire home, as many as 18 days walk (or more). That fire was continued for a whole year, and if it ever did go out, they could borrow a coal from a neighbor to rekindle their own. In this way, all of the members of the Nation were "kin" (there is a different Creek word that I do not know).
