Flammable/
Inflammable: Although these words sound like opposites, they in fact mean the same thing--that the material referred to is capable of burning. There is a slight distinction: "flammable" is often used in conjuction with stuff that will burn under the right circumstances, while "inflammable" is usually used with stuff that bursts into flames at the slightest provocation. Thus a tree might be called flammable, and a can of gasoline inflammable.

Tinder and kindling: The little bits of flammable (or inflammable) materials use to raise the temperature of a fire to the point where the larger wood will ignite.

Firepan: A metal surface (usually round) used as the foundation of a campfire. You can buy them in outdoors equipment stores, or improvise one: folks have been known to use old hubcaps, pizza platters or trashcan lids. Just remember that the metal won't be the same after it's been under a flame for several hours (so don't use a hubcap pried off of Dad's Lexus).

2torial #0438: Learn2 Build a Campfire (Continued) Prepare the site Fire will ignite any flammable materials underneath it. Building yours on top of a metal firepan is the surest way to control it. In any case, you'll minimize the risk by clearing an area at least three feet wide of debris and children. If no established firepit is available get down to bare earth, or to rock if you can, and put a ring of stones around it for aesthetics and extra protection (kids love hunting for good rocks). Consider the wind, and attempt to find an area that's shielded from the strongest gusts. Consider also the possibility of rain, and see if there's a sheltered nook around. But be careful of flammable branches and tree trunks. Step 2