Nodya – from the Finnish 'nuotio' – means a campfire. In other words, it is a specific way of arranging logs in a fire. Yes, logs, because sticks and twigs are not suitable here. There are many designs, and they are quite diverse. The base is the embers. In the evening, after cooking dinner, there are plenty of them. Although there are times when only ash remains from the fire. So, we will need three logs approximately equal in length to the diameter of the fire pit. As for the wood, resinous tree species are used here. Pine, fir. Larch and spruce are used less often because they shoot sparks in different directions while burning. Consequently, things, tents, or tarps can be damaged, or it can lead to a fire. The method is simple. Two logs are placed on the embers, parallel to each other with a small gap between them. A third log is placed on top, on small sticks. This allows for free circulation of hot air. Being on the embers, this structure ignites, and thanks to the gaps, the fire completely engulfs the wood. Accordingly, the fire emits more light and heat. And thanks to the large diameter of the logs, they will smolder until morning. It is especially pleasant for a large group of people to sit by such a fire. It is important to note that a bright fire scares away wild animals. Although I am sure that a bear would hardly risk approaching a group by such a fire.
If you lay the logs like a wall, two or more on top of each other, the heat will spread in all directions. Such a nodya is very productive for drying things.
A similar structure, but made of only two logs, can burn right on the snow! By placing brushwood underneath and on the sides, you can light it and add more as needed during the burning process. You shouldn't expect a large flame from it. It smolders incredibly persistently and for a long time, providing heat.
Finally, I will share a small secret. It concerns the faster ignition of the log. It's simple. You just need to make notches along the entire log with an axe, and then the process will start.
