this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2025
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xkcd #3114: Building a Fire

Title text:

That was quicker than usual! The cabin's sprinkler system often makes it really hard to keep anything lit.

Transcript:

Transcript will show once it’s been added to explainxkcd.com

Source: https://xkcd.com/3114/

explainxkcd for #3114

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[–] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 49 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Don't forget to put a tiny dog drinking coffee in there, too!

[–] teft@piefed.world 20 points 1 week ago (3 children)

IMHO the cabin is second best. Teepee is the best for building fires.

[–] ampy@discuss.online 12 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Cabin method is better when you want to cook above the fire. The flames stay low, but on tee pee method, the flames go too high and scorch the food.

[–] teft@piefed.world 9 points 1 week ago

I don’t cook over open flames. Only coals.

Also this is just to start the fire. You build up a larger bed after your kindling gets going.

[–] pixeltree@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 1 week ago

Idk I hate balancing everything

[–] Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 4 points 1 week ago

I have been using a Kelly kettle a lot lately, usually dump a bunch of wood shavings or dried leaves in the base and then sticks above that in the chimney.

[–] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 week ago

Next, we'll try the petroleum refinery method. First, let's get some steel pipe, a MIG-welder and a barrel of crude oil.