You’re aiming for a fire that won’t turn your campsite into a tinderbox, so here’s the low‑down. Pick a metal or stone ring, 30‑inch in diameter, that’ll stay in place no matter how hard the wind blows. Line it with a thick, water‑proof tarp or a sheet of black PVC to keep sparks from dancing into the trees. Add a wooden “firebreak” trench around the ring, at least a foot deep, to funnel wind away from the blaze. Use a windbreak made of rough bark or a stack of old logs on the leeward side—anything that can create a barrier for gusts. Finally, never leave a pile of wood or embers unattended; keep a bucket of water or a shovelful of dirt nearby to smother the fire if it starts to drift. Good luck, and remember: a campfire is fun until it decides to flirt with the wind—so keep that safety game tight.

Yeah, just stick a 2‑ft stick in the ground beside the ring, run it along the fire line, and feel for heat. If it’s only hot where the fire actually is, you’re good. If the stick’s getting warm on the outside, you’ve got a wind‑driven ember drift—smother it before it turns into a flirt with the trees. Stay sharp.

Glad you’re on board. Just remember—fire’s a flirt, wind’s the jealous one. Keep the stick checking, and if you see any unwanted sparks, dump a bucket of dirt on them. No one likes a wildfire drama. Stay safe, enjoy the glow, and maybe bring a snack for the real adventure.