The topic for lighting a fire in the mountains is one of the most discussed among tourists in Bansko. On the one hand, there is the romance of a campfire under the stars, and on the other – the harsh laws of Pirin National Park and the risk of forest fires. But when we talk about the “Ten Most Important Elements”, fire is not for fun. It is a tool for survival.
In the sixth part of our series, we'll explore the fine line between violation and lifesaving, as well as what tools you should definitely have in your backpack.
The Law: Where is it allowed and where is it not?
Before you strike a match, you need to know where you are. Almost the entire mountain range above Bansko falls within the limits of Pirin National Park“.
In the territory of the National Park, lighting an open fire is strictly prohibited, except in the places explicitly marked for this (usually concrete fireplaces in front of some huts and shelters). The fines are hefty (from 500 to 5,000 leva), and the risk of setting fire to the squat and destroying centuries-old forests is real.
The “Survival” exception: If you are lost, injured, night is falling and your body temperature is dangerously low (hypothermia), starting a fire is a matter of life and death. In such an emergency, your survival is the priority. Rescuers and rangers will not fine you for starting a fire to keep you from freezing, as long as you take precautions not to set the forest on fire.
The Holy Trinity of Fire
In an emergency situation, when your fingers are numb from the cold and the wood is wet from the rain, a simple lighter from a Levche can betray you. Here's what you should bring:
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Windproof matches | They burn brightly even in wind and rain. Cheap and light. | They have a limited number of sticks. They must be kept dry. |
| Lighter (BIC) | Easy to use. | Piezo lighters often fail above 2500m above sea level. Opt for the classic ones with a pebble. |
| Magnesium lighter (Firesteel) | It works forever, even when wet. It throws a spark with a temperature of 3000°C. | Requires training and dry kindling. |
The Secret to a Successful Fire: The Kindling
It often rains in Pirin. Trying to light wet twigs directly with a lighter is mission impossible. Here comes to the rescue Tinder, which you must bring from home.
- Dry alcohol: Sold at any camping equipment store, one pill burns for about 10-12 minutes with a strong flame, enough to dry and light the thin matches above it.
- Cotton with Vaseline: Make your own. Soak cotton balls in petroleum jelly and place them in a plastic wrap or Tic-Tac box. One ball burns brightly for about 5 minutes and can even catch a spark from a magnesium lighter.
- Resin: If you are in the forest belt, look for hardened resin on the bark of pine trees. It is nature's natural "napalm".
How to light a fire safely?
- Site preparation: Clear dry leaves and needles down to “mineral soil” (soil/rock) within a radius of at least 1 meter. Never burn on peat or roots – the fire can start underground!
- Construction: Start with the smallest sticks (like toothpicks) arranged in a “pyramid” around the kindling.
- Extinguishing: This is the most important part. When you are finished, pour plenty of water (or snow), stir the ash and pour it again until it stops hissing. Check with your hand – the ash should be cold.
The skill of lighting a fire in the mountains It's like insurance – you hope you never need it, but you should have it. Always carry at least two sources of fire (e.g. a lighter in your pocket and matches in your backpack) and respect the majestic nature of Pirin.
English (UK)