Alter Fires

[adzy31]

What are these 'Alter Fires' talked about on campsite websites? They better not be boring, small, size-restricted fires. That'd be no good.

[Moog]

In the context you're reading it it will mean a raised surface or table on which to light a fire making easier access for cooking, in scouts we used to build the best alter fires.... I'll try and explain, Using the bits of a felled tree, firstly place two equal sized logs about 1.5m long and 15cms in diameter (as all subsequent logs should be) parallel on the ground about 40 cms apart, cut a notch about 10cms from either end of each log then place two logs about 60 cms long across the original two using the notches to keep them in place again cut two notches about 10 cms from either end of each of these logs then place two logs similar in size to the original two across the top. You should now have a stable base about 40 - 50 cms high. Lay a sheet of metal across the top so it just covers the entire stucture, corrugated iron is perfect especially if it has small holes in allowing the air to draw through from underneath. Use stones around the edge to hold the metal down and form a hearth to light your fire in. Once lit you have an elevated alter fire for all to enjoy.... great fun, think I got my pyromania badge for that!