Techniques for these types of fires have evolved over the years to the point that there are some very practical alternatives to the traditional fire ring. The heat from fires or stoves can cause impact, and so can the concentrated trampling of people cooking or socializing. Take care to select a durable site for any use of fire. An innovative method for building a leave no trace fire is the mound fire. To build this type of fire, begin by locating a ready source of mineral soil, sand or gravel.
Mineral soil is the light colored dirt that is found below the dark, rich, organic topsoil layer.
Gather mineral soil from a spot that is already disturbed by natural forces, where the impact of digging and collecting the mineral soil will not damage live vegetation. Sand and small gravel collected from stream beds or lake shores are good sources of mineral soil. Use the garden trowel to fill a stuff sack with mineral soil. Carry a load of mineral soil to the fire site. A fire pan is a metal tray with rigid sides at least three inches high.