Finnish candle at work
Finnish candle is the most common name for several fires of similar design, built inside a specially prepared log or between several combined logs standing vertically.
The design of the Finnish candle allows you to light a full-fledged fire with the least amount of fuel, in some cases making do with only one log. In addition, such candles tolerate windy weather well, and some of them tolerate precipitation when using dishes that cover the combustion area.
All versions of the Finnish candle are intended for cooking and lighting the area, and some of them are also used for heating and drying things.
This type of fire is economical, compact, easy to transport, its structure can be built in advance, compared to many other types of fires, it leaves only a small fire on the ground, and in some cases does not leave it at all.
Having been invented in the 30s of the last century by a citizen of Finland, the Finnish candle became widely known among hunters, tourists and other lovers active rest outdoors and is actively used to this day.
Its popularity is evidenced by the many names given to this fire. Among them: fire candle, forest candle, hunting candle, Indian candle, Indian torch, Swedish candle, Swedish fire, Scandinavian candle, taiga candle, Canadian candle, Roman candle, wooden primus, wood-burning primus, volya, vertical fire made of logs.
The popularity of the fire could not leave the Finnish candle unchanged. As you use everything big amount people, the fire was lit with certain design changes and additions, in different conditions. And if the classic fire consisted of two halves of a log split with an ax, placed with the cleaved sides facing each other, then modern designs differ not only in structure, but also in the number of logs used.
I know of the following options for a forest candle:
Swedish candle made from four parts of logs.
When using a chainsaw, such a fire is not only stable, but also beautiful.
The compactness and simplicity of this type of forest stove have made it very popular. There are advertisements on various websites on the Internet offering to buy such a wooden primus stove wholesale and retail, and on Youtube there are many videos on its manufacture and use. However, in my opinion, this torch is not entirely suitable for a hiker, and even more so for someone who finds himself in emergency situation in the wild natural environment, due to the complexity of manufacturing the described structure without the proper tools. This is an option not for a person surviving in nature who needs to make a fire with his own hands, but for a tourist who goes out into nature on vacation with all the necessary equipment.
These are the main four ways to create a candle fire, but there are other options:
The classic version of a log split in two is good if you have brushwood, which needs to be thrown into the fire from time to time, and a thick log. It is simple and can be recommended for cooking and boiling water in survival situations if you have a saw and an ax.
A log split into four parts can be recommended for short-term illumination of the area in those situations in which the classic version is made, but if it is necessary to warm up a group consisting of more than two people. However, if the fire is lit specifically to warm the group, it is better to use one of the taiga options, for example, Nodya.
A split log held together with wire is useful in situations that require cooking or lighting without the need for heating. Of course, it is used only when there is wire or other material available that allows you to securely fasten all parts of the log.
A log with longitudinal cuts is made with a chainsaw and a sufficient amount of gasoline. It is also convenient to use it if you have pre-prepared logs for picnics, fishing and other outdoor events.
A log with two holes, like a candle with cuts, is convenient for use outdoors in a pre-prepared form during the warm and rainy season.
Three logs placed side by side, as for me, along with the classic one, are one of the best options for a Finnish candle in emergency survival conditions. But unlike the classic one, this option requires the use of thinner logs, which means it is most appropriate if you have a saw and no ax.
For classic version You can use a log with a diameter of 20–30 cm. The height of the log should be twice as large as the diameter. It is this ratio of diameter and height that is most acceptable for stability and uniform burning of not only the classic version, but also other types of fire-candles.
The log is split in two, and one part should be thicker than the other. Kindling chips are cut off from the thicker part and crushed for faster ignition. Both parts of the log are installed at a short distance from one another with the cuts facing each other. For stability, they can be supported with sticks or stones. Kindling is placed in the middle. The kindling is ignited, after which the fire gradually enters operating mode.
The photo shows the beginning of making such a fire:
When a sufficient amount of smoldering coals have formed on both parts of the log, this Finnish candle can burn without throwing additional brushwood into the middle. To do this, it is enough to adjust the gap between the parts of the log: too close a position will reduce the flow of oxygen to the combustion center - the fire will go into smoldering mode, and too far away will prevent the coals from heating each other until the fire appears, and the fire will go out.
If cooking is necessary, dishes with food are placed on the ends of both parts of the log. Additional tricks, as in some cases, which will be discussed a little later, in in this case not required. You can see how it looks in the photo or video.
If the fire is temporarily not needed, parts of the log are moved away from one another - and the fire goes into smoldering mode, and after a while it finally goes out.
This Finnish candle is prepared, lit and extinguished in the same way as the previous version, only in this case the log is split into four identical parts.
If you have good kindling, such a fire is relatively easy to start.
The kindling for this candle is collected separately or cut from the core of another split log, where it is usually dry even after prolonged rains.
To prepare food, the dishes are placed directly on the top end of the split log.
For this Finnish candle, a sawn log is split into four equal parts. All parts are marked on the outside with a knife so that later all parts of the log can be assembled together with the smallest gaps between them. For each of the resulting parts, cut off the corner that was adjacent to the core in the log. The resulting shavings are used as kindling.
The core of logs is usually drier than the outer fabric, and therefore kindling from it is easier to light. Photo survival.com.ua
Also, for future ventilation, you can cut the lower edges of the log parts at an angle.
All parts of the log are connected in accordance with the marks on them and form a cylindrical structure with square hole in the middle and triangular gaps at the bottom (if they were cut out, of course), which are connected to the central hole.
The central hole formed after removing the core will act as a hearth.
In this position, the log is fastened with wire. A small stick is inserted under the wire and twisted until the wire securely holds all parts of the log together. What it looks like in the end is shown in the photo:
If there were no lower gaps for ventilation, this version of the Finnish candle can be installed on a small groove so that fresh air can freely penetrate from below into the central hole where the fire will burn.
A small fire is lit at the upper end of this candle, the coals of which fall into the hole and gradually ignite the entire structure.
According to some unverified data, such a candle can also be lit from below if wood shavings are loosely placed in the hole so as to provide free passage for air. Be that as it may, this version of the fire-candle remains one of the most inconvenient to light.
To cook food on such a candle, place three or four small identical flat stones under the dishes or place two green sticks in parallel. Sometimes, instead, 3-4 nails are driven into the top end so that they rise above the wood. This is necessary so that the gases released as a result of combustion can freely exit through top hole and not interfere with the flow fresh air to the burning coals. If this is not done, the cookware will block the top hole and the fire may go out.
When making this version of a taiga candle, a chainsaw is most often used.
In a block of wood, usually two to four longitudinal cuts are made, going deep into 2/3, and sometimes 3/4 of its length. Although, if you plan to make a torch, then cuts are made on a long straight log only in the upper part. That's it - the Finnish candle is ready.
Today, the production of blanks for Finnish candles has been put into production due to their high demand among tourists and vacationers.
Such a candle is most often lit using alcohol, gasoline, machine or sunflower oil, or another flammable liquid. To do this, pour into the center of the candle a small amount of of the specified liquid and, having removed the container with this liquid to a safe distance, set fire to the fire.
Attention!
It is prohibited to pour gasoline, alcohol and other flammable substances into an already burning or smoldering fire! Failure to comply with this rule may result in burns and an explosion of a container with flammable liquid.
For cooking, the dishes are placed directly on the top flat surface of the candle.
Such a candle is usually extinguished with water, after which it needs to be dried before relighting.
For this candle, the log is placed on its end. A hole is made in the center to a depth of 3/4 of the height of the log with a gimlet or drill.
Afterwards, the log is placed on its side and a second hole is drilled in it, which should connect to the “bottom” of the first. This creates a log with an L-shaped tunnel. Residual chips from the tunnel are removed.
Such a candle is lit in two ways: from above or from below.
To ignite from above, a small fire is lit at the working end of the candle, the coals of which, falling into the hole, lead to the ignition of a vertical tunnel along the entire length of the structure.
To ignite from below, a flammable liquid is dripped into the upper hole, and the fire is brought on a splinter from the side hole.
The photo shows a candle that has already lit up:
If you have the tools, such a candle can be made from a stump, which is difficult to use as fuel in a regular fire. An example is shown in the photo:
Like the version with wire, this candle is lit with great difficulty compared to the same classic Finnish candle.
In this version of the oven, it is necessary to place stones or sticks under the dishes so that the bottom of the dish does not cover the outlet hole.
Such a candle is extinguished by blocking two holes at the same time.
To make this candle, three logs of equal height are cut out. On each of the three logs, the bark is removed from one side and shallow cuts are made to damage the wood fibers.
The logs are placed horizontally, one next to the other, so that the cleaned sides are as close to each other as possible and point upward. Kindling is placed on the logs and the fire is started.
When some of the logs under the fires become charred and begin to actively smolder, the logs are placed on their ends and the smoldering parts are pressed against each other. The gap between the logs is filled with embers from burnt brushwood and the brushwood itself. After this Finnish candle enters the operating mode, there is no need to add additional fuel: the coals of the logs heat each other, due to which a stable flame appears in the center of the structure.
An example of a candle made from three logs, not fastened to each other in any way.
The dishes are installed on top without additional tricks, since the gaps between the logs are sufficient to remove burnt gases from the combustion center.
If the logs are slightly different in length and for this reason do not allow you to place dishes on top of them, small depressions are made in the ground for longer logs. This way, when setting up a fire, the tops of the logs are leveled and allow you to place dishes on them without any problems.
In order to extinguish such a fire-candle, you simply need to move the logs away from one another.
The Finnish candle, like other fires, has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, due to the fact that there are many options for this fire, here we will list only those that are characteristic of most of them.
The advantages of such a fire include:
Since a survivalist usually does not have a chainsaw, this type of candle is not suitable for survival purposes.
It is useful to focus on this information when you know the conditions in which the fire will be lit and the tasks that need to be solved with its help.
Despite the “carefulness” of a taiga candle when burning, as with any other fireplace, safety precautions must be observed when using it.
So, a place for a forest candle is chosen away from dry trees and thickets of dry reeds. This place is cleared of dry leaves and grass, pine needles and cones, in a word, everything that could cause the spread of fire.
When using flammable liquids to light a Finnish candle, the canisters with these liquids must be removed to a safe distance.
To prevent a pre-prepared candle from getting wet from precipitation, it can be placed under the tent awning or covered with a piece of polyethylene, pressing its edges to the ground with stones. If it rains lightly while this fire is burning, the container in which the food is cooked will protect the candle from extinguishing.
From the above, we can conclude that Finnish candles are good for cooking and lighting the area, and in some cases, heating. These fires can be recommended for a group of several people located in a forest area with a shortage of dead wood and the availability of tools for processing it.
The main advantage of such a fire is that you don’t have to worry about it, even if there is dirt and slush around. In winter, you don’t have to worry that the snow under the fire will begin to melt and thereby extinguish the fire. Finally, a “Finnish candle” is safer than a regular fire in places where there is a lot of dry grass and leaves. Finally, such a fire can simply be moved from place to place. The “candle” will burn all night, and at the same time it will require only one log. And the shape of the fire is such that it is convenient to use when cooking - after all, pots or a kettle can simply be placed on top of a log, like on a burner.
In order to make a “Finnish candle”, you need to have a log 30-50 cm thick, as well as a saw. The height of the log is not that important. The cut is made approximately three-quarters deep. Most often they cut into 4, 6 or 8 parts. After this, a small hole will appear in the log. Kindling will be placed and lit in it.
If you don’t have a saw at hand (and most likely you won’t have one on a hike), you can use an ax. In this case, it will be more difficult to make such a fire. The log needs to be split into four parts with an ax. Each piece will have to be ground down in the middle so that when they are put together, a hole will form. After this, all that remains is to tie the logs with a strong rope, or better yet, with wire.
Finally, a “candle” can be made by simply stacking several logs side by side. Each should be 5-15 cm thick. Uses 3 to 8 pieces of wood.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages of the “Finnish candle”. Preparing such a fire requires a certain skill and experience. Also, as has already become clear, you need tools. The Finnish candle is not very suitable for heating. You also need to take into account the fact that if the fire has been extinguished, then lighting it again will be extremely problematic, almost impossible. It’s easier to prepare a new candle.
On a trip to Lake Chepolshevskoye in July 2012, I decided to make that famous stump with vertical cuts, with which a young Finnish woman surprised experienced Siberian lumberjacks ( funny story!). It turned out exactly like in that story: first I was subjected to public ridicule and criticism, and then the critics themselves used a chainsaw, making more and more logs with cuts...
Take a piece of DRY pine or spruce log at least half a meter long and from one end with a chainsaw two cuts are made “crosswise” along the log at about three-quarters of its height. A certain amount of gasoline or other flammable mixture is poured into the center of the cut and set on fire. The flame spreads upward in the center of the log; the side slots serve to supply oxygen to the combustion zone. The log burns for a long time, several hours, and during this time you can not only warm the kettle, but also prepare serious dishes...
Some people call this type of fire a Finnish candle, some an Indian candle, and some a Swedish candle. Sometimes you can hear the word Volya or even "turbopen".
My main mistake in making the first Finnish candle in my life was that I took a damp pine log, almost completely wet by the rains. After several unsuccessful attempts to set fire to its center from below, under the ridicule of friends, I placed this log on a regular fire with the sawn end facing the fire. It only took a couple of minutes for the wood in the cut to dry out, start fire, and my first Finnish candle started working, and how it worked!.... Laughter gave way to exclamations of surprise and approval, people immediately began to offer options with a large number of cuts, even eight
Bye former critics extolling the simplicity and genius of this invention of mankind, I cooked food for my fox terrier Bundy, and called out through the camp; “Hey, people, who needs a new stove?!”
It should be noted right away that the pot or kettle stands on the end quite securely and conveniently; putting dishes on and off the fire is also convenient. These are the advantages. The downside is that the dishes still get dirty
We remembered that we need to boil the crayfish while they are still alive
And now the main critic of my idea with the log - Viktor Lobachev - with undisguised pleasure he cooks lake crayfish for dinner on a Finnish candle
It seems that later our women also heated water on a candle for washing dishes. When it got colder, a candle that continued to burn was used for heating.
We’ve just run out of ideas on what else can be cooked on one log.
Already in Obninsk they told me that one wonderful company has been going to the forest in the winter for a long time to make dumplings, having only one pre-prepared log. You don’t have to trample snow in search of firewood, or destroy trees in the forest near the city, but it’s light, hot and the whole company feels good around a big cauldron of dumplings
The more side slots, the more intense the supply of oxygen to the combustion zone, the stronger the flame and the shorter the life of the candle. The picture shows how big the flame is on the Finnish candle with 8 side cuts. One such Finnish candle replaces an entire fire. And pay attention that behind Dasha’s back there is a smoldering old fire that no one needs anymore - everyone has enough light and heat from one pine log
In the near future I will write a note about an Indian candle - a fire based on one log, but with a slightly different design
On a hike or just on vacation, a log fire can perform more than one function, such as lighting, heating or cooking, scaring away animals, but several at the same time. You can light it in a traditional or exotic way, but you only need the most basic tools. In addition, a type of fire such as a Finnish candle (other names are Indian, Swedish, wood-burning primus) replaces a tripod for a cauldron.
Before making a Finnish candle, prepare a saw, wire or sticky tape, nails and a log that will become candles. And then to make an Indian candle, follow the instructions:
1. Find a dry log with a diameter of 10-40 cm without knots. The tree can be anything, just keep in mind that each type has its own characteristics. For example, spruce and pine sparkle when burned, so it is better not to use them for heating. You need to be careful with birch, because it burns very strongly, you can get burned, and it smokes a little due to the tar in the bark. Best option– well-dried aspen. When burning, its flame is even and colorless.
2. Cut it depending on the purpose of the candle (15-40 cm). If you will be lighting a fire for cooking, use a log that is thick and short so that you can place the dishes directly on it. The candle will be stable. For lighting, on the contrary, a long and thin candle that can be carried if necessary will be convenient. And for heating you need a thick and long one to burn for a long time.
3. Split a dry log into four pieces. These will later be used to make a Swedish fire.
4. In each part, remove the middle so that when assembling the log you get a hole with a diameter of 5-7 cm, and make small notches. Perfect option, if you find a hollow tree. After cutting or splitting, you will need to scrape out the rotten middle of the hollow.
5. Fold 4 logs into a single log, wrapping them with wire, trying to leave as few gaps as possible. This way they will not disintegrate and quickly burn through large gaps. This way you should end up with a solid log with an empty middle.
6. Place the sawdust that remains after cutting off the middle or birch bark into the opening for kindling. The filling of a wooden kerosene stove and its location affects the degree of combustion. Located at the top of the hole, birch bark will burn for a long time, only weakly. This candle is more suitable for warming up food or for heating. Well, if you put the birch bark on the bottom, the fire will be very strong, which is good for cooking or lighting, but the candle will not last long. The best option is its location in the middle. Also make sure that there is draft for combustion. To do this, place the candle on stones or logs.
That's all the instructions on how to make a taiga candle.
Now you can use a Swedish fire, which will be very convenient for cooking. Convenience lies in the ability to adjust the strength of the flame by blocking the access of air from below with a lid, earth, snow, etc. The food will be cooked in hot smoke, since the Finnish candle will smolder from the inside and not burn.
How to light a fire on vacation when there is a shortage of firewood. A log fire can perform more than one function, for example, lighting, heating, cooking, repelling animals and insects. In addition, this type of fire, such as a wood-burning primus (other names: Indian, Swedish, Finnish candle) replaces a tripod for a cauldron.
You can’t dry things by such a fire, but you can cook both the first and second courses, as they say, on “one fuse.”
Find a dry log with a diameter of 10 - 40 cm without knots. The tree can be anything, just keep in mind that each type has its own characteristics. For example, spruce and pine sparkle when burned, so it is better not to use them for heating. You need to be careful with birch, because it burns very strongly, you can get burned, and it smokes a little due to the tar in the bark. The best option is well-dried aspen. When burning, its flame is even and colorless.
Trim the log depending on its purpose (15 - 40 cm). If you will be lighting a fire for cooking, use a log that is thick and short so that you can place the dishes directly on it. The candle will be stable. For lighting, on the contrary, a long and thin candle that can be carried if necessary will be convenient. And for heating you need a thick and long one to burn for a long time.
Split a dry log into four pieces. These will later be used to make a fire.
In each part, remove the middle so that when assembling the log you get a hole with a diameter of 5 - 7 cm, and make small notches. Ideal if you find a hollow tree. After cutting or splitting, you will need to scrape out the rotten middle of the hollow.
Fold 4 logs into a single log, wrapping them with wire, trying to leave as few gaps as possible. This will prevent them from falling apart and quickly burning through large gaps.
This way you should end up with a solid log with an empty middle.
Place the sawdust that remains after cutting off the middle or birch bark into the opening for kindling. The filling of a wooden kerosene stove and its location affects the degree of combustion. Located at the top of the hole, birch bark will burn for a long time, only weakly. This candle is more suitable for warming up food or for heating. Well, if you put the birch bark on the bottom, the fire will be very strong, which is good for cooking or lighting, but the candle will not last long. The best option is to find it in the middle. Also make sure that there is draft for combustion. To do this, place the candle on stones or logs.
Now you can use the fire, which will be very convenient for cooking. Convenience lies in the ability to adjust the strength of the flame by blocking the access of air from below with a lid, earth, etc.
Also, blocking the air (bottom and top) serves to extinguish the candle if it is no longer needed, and then reuse it if necessary. Basically, a candle is enough for several meal preparations.
We hope these tips on how to start a fire help you.
