Fires have a place in camping, and it is basically for aesthetics. Fire also provides warmth, and in an emergency this is vital. Not only is physical warmth attained, but psychological warmth, as well. If lost, fire is security, peace of mind and safety, for we all know animals fear it. Fires are helpful for signaling - three in a row or three puffs of smoke are internationally recognized distress signals.
Fire is also a weather indicator.
When smoke rolls low off a fire, it means a low pressure front is moving in, to which a storm is usually associated. Strive to keep your fire small, to conserve on wood and limit the damage to the forest floor. This philosophy is best summed up by an old Indian saying. The new breed of small gas camp stoves are the solution to fireless camping. Operating on a wide variety of fuels, such as white gas, butane or propane, these lightweight marvels offer clean, constant and instant heat.