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672 The teepee fire is quick to build and quick to burn.

Many campers and outdoor enthusiasts who are working with campfires start by building a teepee fire, whether they realize thats what theyre constructing or not. I know this was the first fire type I ever started building with because it is so easy to construct. We built them regularly in Cub Scouts. I see kids all over making teepee fires adults too! What is a Teepee Fire?

A teepee fire is a campfire constructed by stacking sticks into the shape of a teepee. It looks much like a cone shape when complete. It differs from other common campfire types because the sticks are stacked almost vertically rather than horizontally.

The teepee fire is probably the most common campfire type. Its regularly taught in outdoor survival classes and in programs like the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, etc. Its a favorite of many people because its so fast and easy to construct. The teepee fire has some downsides, however.

Rather watch than read? I cover the teepee fire and 3 other types of campfires in the video below. Pros and Cons of a Teepee Fire Pros Quick Ignition: Its design allows the fire to rise quickly from the tinder to the kindling and then to the larger logs, making it relatively easy to start. High Flames: The teepee structure tends to produce tall flames, which can be visually pleasing and useful for signaling in emergency situations. Self-Feeding (to a degree): As the logs burn, they collapse inward, which can help in maintaining the fire for a certain duration without much interference. Ideal for Quick Cooking: The tall flames can be used for boiling or cooking food quickly under a campfire tripod, especially if you only need the fire for a short period of time. This is certainly the fire best suited to rapidly boiling water with firewood, but there are of course other methods of boiling water while camping that dont involve a campfire. Cons Not Long-Lasting: Without intervention, the teepee structure burns out quicker than some other fire layouts. Inefficient Fuel Consumption: It tends to burn wood faster due to its design, which might not be ideal in situations where you have a limited wood supply. Requires Monitoring: As the fire burns and the logs collapse, it may need rearranging or rebuilding to maintain a consistent fire. Less Stable: The teepee structure, especially if built tall, can be less stable than other configurations. This can lead to logs falling out of alignment, which could be a safety hazard. Not Ideal for Extended Cooking: For cooking foods that require a long time (like roasting), the short lifespan of a teepee fire isnt ideal. Youd need a more consistent heat source. How to Build a Teepee Fire The frame of this teepee fire is ready to ignite.

The teepee fire method is one of the most basic and popular ways to start a campfire. Heres a step-by-step guide on how to do it. Building the Teepee Frame Start by placing a handful of tinder in the center of your pit. Arrange the kindling over the tinder in the shape of a teepee. Stick them into the ground slightly to help them stand upright. Place the larger pieces of firewood around the kindling in a similar teepee structure. Ensure that theres enough space for air to flow, as fire needs oxygen to burn. Light the Tinder Light the tinder in several places. As it catches fire, the kindling will begin to ignite. Once the kindling is burning steadily, the outer firewood will catch fire. Maintain the Fire As the teepee structure burns, the logs will fall inward. Thats okay. This method is designed to give the fire a strong start. Once the fire is well-established, you can add more logs as needed, placing them on top or around the burning wood. Always monitor your fire closely and keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby for safety. Fire Making: The Forgotten Art of Conjuring Flame with Spark, Tinder, and Skill Hardcover BookHume, Daniel (Author) Buy on Amazon Best Fire for You?

Whats your favorite style of campfire? Im also curious what the first type of fire you ever made is. Let me know in the comments section. Burn on!

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Environment

Trump nominates a Tesla critic to lead NHTSA

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Trump nominates a Tesla critic to lead NHTSA

President Trump has nominated Jonathan Morrison to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Morrison has previously criticized and tussled with Tesla in his previous role at NHTSA.

Morrison is now Trump’s nominee to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is in charge of regulating the auto industry in the US.

The attorney was the agency’s Chief Counsel during Trump’s first term, and he had a few disputes with Tesla during that time.

In September 2018, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its Tesla Model 3 crash test results, and the EV got five-star safety ratings in every category.

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Tesla interpreted the data from the test and claimed that Model 3 achieved “the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle ever tested by NHTSA“.

Morrison sent Tesla a cease-and-desist letter over the claim, arguing that it was misleading.

The lawyers also subpoenaed Tesla to get data about a specific crash in 2019.

Next week, Morrison is expected to have his confirmation hearing in the Senate and could take up his role shortly after.

The nomination is significant in the context of the current feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Trump.

Musk has been criticizing Trump and his allies over their recently passed budget and tax bill, which is expected to significantly increase the federal government’s debt and eliminate virtually all subsidies to electric vehicles and renewable energy, potentially harming Tesla.

Trump has warned Musk that he could go directly after his companies and NHTSA would be the top vehicle for that when it comes to Tesla.

The agency had already launched several investigations into Tesla over the years, with the largest one examining Tesla’s Full Self-Driving program and several fatal crashes related to the ADAS system.

Electrek’s Take

Most NHTSA probes into Tesla have resulted in slaps on the wrist at best, but this FSD probe involves several fatal crashes, and even though it started under the Biden administration, it could potentially ramp up under Trump, especially amid his feud with Musk.

On the one hand, it’s disheartening to see the US reach this point, where feuds between billionaires and elected officials are settled through regulatory agencies. Still, at the same time, Musk did buy the election for Trump, so he created this situation in the first place, and there are serious concerns about how safe FSD is.

At the very least, I would hope that NHTSA will start to force Tesla to release all its FSD crash and disengagement data.

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Environment

A 25 mph ambulance? The GEM microcar is now an emergency responder

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A 25 mph ambulance? The GEM microcar is now an emergency responder

You might remember the GEM as a quirky little electric microcar that’s been cruising through campuses, resorts, and planned communities for years. But now, it’s taking on a more serious job – saving lives. Waev Inc., the maker behind the long-running GEM electric vehicle line, has just unveiled the GEM Ambulance, a purpose-built, all-electric, street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) designed specifically for emergency medical services.

While it might not replace a full-size ambulance on high-speed highways, this new electric responder is tailor-made for the dense environments where conventional ambulances often struggle: college campuses, sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and more. With a top speed of 25 mph, it’s built for maneuverability, safety, and zero-emission performance in pedestrian-heavy areas.

“The GEM Ambulance fills a critical gap in medical response – delivering the ideal balance of agility and safety EMS teams need in crowded settings,” said Byron Dudley, Vice President at Waev Inc.

The new GEM Ambulance is built on the same proven electric platform that has powered GEM vehicles for over 25 years. It’s a highly refined LSV that combines practical engineering with professional-grade EMS functionality. In partnership with emergency equipment supplier QTAC, Waev integrated a skid-mounted EMS system that includes secure patient transport, attendant seating, optional oxygen and IV mounts, and rugged PolyTough™ construction designed to handle demanding conditions.

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Unlike golf carts or UTV-based setups that have been DIYed into emergency vehicles, the GEM Ambulance offers a more stable, comfortable, and professional platform. The EMS skid is positioned between the wheels for better weight distribution, and the vehicle’s low deck height and rear step-up provide easy access for patients and personnel alike.

The GEM Ambulance doesn’t skimp on emergency essentials either. It’s equipped with a 360-degree red emergency lighting system, an SAE Class 1-compliant siren with multiple sound patterns, a public address system, turn signals, LED headlights and taillights, and even a pedestrian noise emitter for quiet zones. A backup camera and full 360° sightlines give drivers added confidence when navigating tight environments.

And since it’s 100% electric, there’s no tailpipe emissions to worry about when operating indoors or in crowded spaces. Maintenance is minimal thanks to GEM’s maintenance-free batteries, regenerative braking, and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. There’s even a seven-year warranty on the lithium-ion battery option.

The biggest surprise might be the price. According to Waev, the GEM Ambulance can cost up to 80% less than a traditional ambulance and 50% less than electric trucks or UTV-based alternatives. Plus, with operating costs of just $0.03 per mile, it promises long-term savings with no fuel, no fluids, and no downtime from engine servicing.

With applications ranging from college campuses and amusement parks to military installations and warehouse sites, the GEM Ambulance could be a game-changer for localized EMS response. It’s available now through GEM’s nationwide dealer network and can also be purchased through government contracts like Sourcewell, Texas BuyBoard, and GSA procurement channels.

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Technology

Microsoft Outlook hit with hours-long outage

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Microsoft Outlook hit with hours-long outage

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Microsoft‘s Outlook email service malfunctioned for several hours Wednesday and Thursday, prompting some people to post on social media about the inability to reach their virtual mailboxes.

The issue began at 6:20 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, according to a dashboard the software company maintains. It affected Outlook.com as well as Outlook mobile apps and desktop programs.

At 12:21 ET the Microsoft 365 Status account posted that it was rolling out a fix.

“Our configuration changes have effectively resolved impact in targeted infrastructure. We’re now deploying the changes worldwide to resolve impact for all users,” Microsoft said in an X post on Thursday afternoon.

The company’s status page said “most impacted users will experience relief within the next two hours,” and that it was continuing to monitor the service.

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On social media, some people reported that Outlook was functioning properly after hours of users posting about problems.

Some posts included screenshots of Outlook that said “something went wrong.” 

With hundreds of millions of active users, Outlook is important, although Apple and Google‘s email clients are more popular, according to data from analytics company Litmus

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