Why use a Dakota fire pit?

Question

While reading this answer I ended up watching a couple of youtube videos and heard this guy mentioning a "Dakota fire pit".

I hadn't heard about it before, but could easily find a few images by searching the web:

Seems pretty straighforward, but the question remains:

Getting that tunnel to hold looks easy in the picture. Not a chance in sandy soil. Even in clay when the fire dries out the the soil it may collapse. — paparazzo, Aug 23, 2016 at 15:50

4 revs · Accepted Answer · 2017-04-13 12:48:00Z

14

Efficiency, mostly

The fire should be able to burn very hot.
Less fuel is needed (faster cooking).
Produces less smoke.
Less susceptible to wind.
Light is shielded.
Easy to cover up to extinguish.
Covering it to remove evidence is easier.
Support for cookware is easily added (something like green sticks across the top is possible).
Should produce less sparks and floating cinders (than a surface fire), which would make it safer in dry conditions

The biggest downside is that you still have to dig in the ground and most likely damage it (not a leave no trace fire).
Should be pretty useful if you've got a permanent camp. But it could be a lot of effort for a one-nighter.

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4 revs
Roflo

4

Probably p;retty useful if you've got a permenant camp. A lot of effort for a one nighter. Nice technnique though
– user2766
Aug 23, 2016 at 15:12
3

Essentially the same concept as a kiln, but underground. And yes, such a fire would kill the earth around it, it's not a leave no trace fire.
– ShemSeger
Aug 23, 2016 at 19:41
1

I would expect that fire to produce less sparks and floating cinders than a surface fire as well, which would make it safer in dry conditions.
– DCShannon
Aug 23, 2016 at 20:19
No, of course not, please do. That's the point of leaving a comment.
– DCShannon
Aug 23, 2016 at 21:52

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