Planning on organising an outdoor party or barbecue? Looking for a place to cook your meal during a hike? Trying to find a spot to relax by the warm glow of a crackling fire? Whatever you want to do, I’ve got you covered. Finding the right spot is the first step to cooking outdoors, which is why I’m presenting this as the first part of the “How to Start” cycle.
First and foremost – the law
We are looking for a place, where we can light a fire. The laws vary across countries — for example, in Scotland, Romania, or Scandinavian countries it’s generally allowed to light campfires almost anywhere, provided safety precautions are followed. However, in countries such as Austria, Germany, and Poland it’s not so easy to find a place where lighting a fire is permitted. Generally, no matter where you are, you must ensure that your fire is safe and does not pose a risk to anyone or anything in the area. Avoid using campfires and grills during hot and dry seasons or in areas with dense vegetation. Check the laws in your country that regulate the use of open fires on public and private land.
If you nevertheless decide to break the law and make fires in prohibited areas, just please, learn how to make proper, safe fires first. The laws are strict mainly because of irresponsible people who cause forest fires and pollute the environment. You definitely don’t want to join the pantheon of “fools with lighters” who make matters even worse.
What place should I look for?
There are a few criteria to take into account when choosing the right spot:
- Fuel source. Your fire will need constant feeding, so make sure to gather fuel nearby. There should be some trees with dead branches or another source of firewood in the area. If there’s no chance of getting the fuel on the spot, you’ll have to carry it all by yourself (believe me, unless you have a car, it’s not fun).
- Choosing the right ground for the fire. If there’s no grill or designated fireplace, you have to ensure that the ground is safe for lighting a fire. Black soil rich in roots and organic matter is not the right one because it can catch fire and slowly smoulder underground, potentially causing a wildfire even a few days after you leave. You should look for spots on the ground with as little vegetation as possible. It is essential to dig a hole for your fire so that there’s no humus left in the fire pit. The best ground to light your fire on is sand, as it minimizes the risk of spreading flames.
- Protection from the elements. The weather can turn your cooking experience into a nightmare (or a funny disaster-filled adventure, depending on your point of view), so it’s essential to choose a place that suits the current conditions. Terrain depressions will be less affected by strong winds. Vegetation and other structures may also provide shelter from gusts. If it’s raining, you should look for a place to cook under the cover of trees or some other sort of overhead shelter. Alternatively, you can set up a tarp if you have one, but remember that synthetic materials can be damaged by sparks from the fire.
- A way to extinguish the fire. It can be a large paddle, a river, or some other water source. Sand and mud are also great for putting out a fire. You need them to ensure you leave the place safe with no smouldering embers left behind. The materials are also crucial in case of emergency, if the fire gets out of control and has to be extinguished immediately. If there’s no source of such materials in the area, you should bring them with you. Safety always comes first.
Well, the points above are a bit too general. Let me give you some specific examples of the right places to cook, so you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself:
- Your own garden. If you don’t have any neighbours or they don’t mind the smoke, you can cook stuff just outside your doorstep.
Pros:
– you don’t have to go anywhere
– you have as much firewood, water, and equipment as you own and are willing to use
– it is 100% legal
Cons:
– neighbours may dislike the smoke - Grill stations in local parks. Some cities build these for everyone to use. Just remember to clean the place after yourself. Sometimes there are no grills built, but there’s an area where you can bring in your own grill and enjoy cooking in the park.
Pros:
– accessible to everyone, no matter what type of building you live in
– completely legal
Cons:
– you might have to carry all the fuel and water yourself
– not everybody cleans up after themselves, so you might have to start by tidying up the area. - Forests and fields. Depending on the local laws, you may be allowed to make fires on public land or private property with the consent of their owner.
Pros:
– you have quite a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing a place to light the fire
– in most cases, you’ll be able to find locations with decent fuel supply and a water source nearby
– you’ll be able to make some nice custom temporary fireplaces with your shovel
Cons:
– it’s illegal in many countries (especially in Europe) - Fireplaces built on tourist trails or near publicly accessible facilities (local community centres, playgrounds, squares etc.). Make sure it’s allowed to use the fireplace without prior consent from the facility keeper (though it’s unlikely one will be present on a trail deep in the forest)
Pros:
– a ready-to-use fireplace, often accompanied by some benches and tables facilitating the cooking process
– there should be no legal concerns while using it
Cons:
– as with the grill stations, not everybody cares about those places, so it may be littered when you arrive
How to start searching?
I recommend checking the map of your surroundings to find the nearest places fit for outdoor cooking. Also, when you’re planning a hike or camp involving cooking, make sure you have a suitable spot on your path or nearby. Some fireplaces and public grills may be marked on online maps. Personally, I use mapy.cz and openstreetmap.org which work great for Europe. Of course not everything will be marked, so here’s my best advice: EXPLORE! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfy home and go for a walk through local forests or mountains. The more you see and experience, the more you’ll know for the future, not just for the sake of cooking.
Go outside and have your eyes opened to the beauty of our world (and, of course, cool spots where you can whip up some food). Stay tuned for the next article — it will tell you how to turn your chosen spot into a proper outdoor kitchen station.
