BANKED FIRES Meaning and
Definition
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Banked fires refers to a technique of partially extinguishing a fire and preserving it in a state where it can be easily reignited. This term is particularly used in the context of traditional fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. The process involves arranging the firewood in a specific manner to create a controlled burn that lasts longer and produces consistent heat.
To bank a fire, it is necessary to consolidate the remaining embers and hot coals by pushing them together towards the back of the fireplace or stove. The logs are then carefully arranged on top in a specific pattern, allowing for proper airflow while maintaining a slower burn rate. This arrangement can involve creating a small pyramid shape with the logs or stacking them in a crisscross pattern. The goal is to ensure that enough oxygen is present for the fire to smolder and produce heat, while keeping it from fully igniting.
By banking a fire, individuals can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace or stove without having to constantly tend to a roaring flame. It is a useful technique during periods of extended absence, such as overnight or when not using the fireplace for a few hours. When the time comes to reignite the fire, simply adding more kindling or blowing air into the embers can quickly revive the banked fire.
In summary, banked fires involve managing a fire's burn rate to create a slow, smoldering fire that can be easily restarted when desired. This technique facilitates heat conservation in traditional fireplaces or wood-burning stoves.
Etymology of BANKED FIRES
The term "banked fires" has its origins in the practice of banking, or arranging, a fire for controlled smoldering or a slow burn. The word "bank" in this context refers to the act of covering or burying coals or embers with a layer of ash, sand, or other non-flammable material to keep the fire burning slowly for an extended period. The idea behind banking fires is to conserve heat and fuel overnight or during periods of inactivity, without extinguishing the fire entirely. This technique has been used for centuries in different cultures and contexts, including home fireplaces, locomotive engines, and steamboats, where it allows the fire to be quickly revived when needed. The word "banked" in this sense comes from the Old Norse word "bakka", meaning "heap" or "rise".
