Mental Health Benefits of Fire

Fire is one of the most captivating of all natural phenomena. It can be at once hypnotic and dangerous, eerie and graceful. It’s also a source of heat and light that warms our homes, fuels our bodies and provides comfort and illumination. For people who live with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety or chronic stress, incorporating time around a fire into their lives can offer multiple layers of support.

Fire is a chemical reaction between oxygen in the air and some sort of fuel, like wood or gasoline. When this fuel is heated enough to break down its molecular structure, it releases a sudden burst of energy that elevates its temperature and starts feeding itself. This self-feeding chain reaction is referred to as the Fire Triangle: fuel, heat and oxygen.

In order to ignite, the fuel must be heated above its ignition temperature (the point at which it will start burning). It can be reached by applying heat directly or by a spark or other ignition source, such as lightning. Once it’s ignited, the fuel continues to burn until all of its available oxygen is used up. During this process, it produces gasses that glow in the form of flames. The hottest parts of the flame glow blue, while cooler areas at the top of the fire glow orange or yellow.

Once a fire is started, it’s important to monitor it closely and follow all daily burn restrictions. Fires can spread quickly and if left unattended, they can destroy lives and property. If you are camping or hiking in an area where wildfires have been reported, it’s essential to check with local authorities before lighting a fire.

Fires are most likely to start and spread when the relative humidity is low and any available moisture evaporates. It is important to monitor the humidity in your environment and stay aware of the fire weather forecasts produced by the Storm Prediction Center.

While it may seem solid and substantial when we gaze at a flame, fire is actually a process, not a substance. It’s the same kind of chemical reaction that occurs when a cut apple turns brown or silver tarnishes. Fire is a hollow, vaporous gas that rises rapidly through convection.

The simplest way to create a fire is to use a grill, campfire or fireplace. If you are building a fire in the outdoors, choose a location away from prevailing winds and clear all combustible materials to a radius of about 10 feet around it. Clear the space underneath the fire ring to mineral soil or non-combustible material and dig a depression that’s at least as deep as the diameter of the fire.

Be sure to build the fire on a dry site, and never leave it unattended. When the fire is lit, it’s important to constantly monitor it for wind changes and any signs of spreading. Ensure that it is contained in the cleared area by using a fire ring, digging a pit or creating a fire barrier of logs and stones.