Keep your campfires well-fuelled this summer with these tips from Forest Technology instructor Alan Pollock.

Proper techniques for sharpening an axe

A sharp axe, says Pollock, is a safer axe. If you're chopping wood every night for the fire, you'll want to sharpen your axe once every week or two. If you're using your axe all day, you'll want to sharpen it every day.

Proper techniques for chopping wood

Now that your axe is sharp, you're ready to put it to use, cutting wood and making kindling. The first step, Pollock says, is to find yourself a clear, open area, with lots of space between you and others. Make sure there are no branches or other obstructions overhead and ensure your feet are on solid ground.

Alan Pollock shows you how to chop wood