By Ivy Sapfoot
Many a fine hobbits visiting the festival are not familiar with the means of cooking away from the comfort of hearth and home. So I'd like to pass advice from a seasoned traveler to you.
Firstly when traveling to an area unfamiliar to you, listen to your neighbor if it is safe to make a fire. Should the land and plants be dry with little rain in sight, and or the wind gusty and blustery, best not set wood alight. Perhaps have a sandwich for dinner, and a cloak for the evening chill.
Secondly, should the region be safe to do so, a hobbit must be careful as to where to place their camp's fire. To prevent your tent and any neighbors tents getting set ablaze keep your fire pit two paces, or about 6 large feet worth from any tent, hanging or overhanging cloth, or overhanging trees. And to not scorch the grass of our East Farthing neighbors have your fire pit at least 6 inches above the ground, measuring from the lowest point of the fire pit dish.
Thirdly, once the placement of the fire pit is precisely picked, have the tools to put out the flames, such as a shovel for moving loose earth and sand or a large bucket of water. A cook fire can now be made! Start with a small fire, and keep an eye on it! Do not wander, as you don't want to burn the bottom of your bread and stew. Don't be burning anything unnatural. Burn only firewood. You want to keep the air good to breathe and food safe to eat. And keep the area around the fire clear loose branches and other tripping risks. Don't want any hobbits to trip and fall near an open flame.
Finally, once breakfast (or second breakfast, or lunch, or supper, or dinner, or-) has been cooked, do not leave the fire unattended. If it is too hot to touch it's too hot to leave. To put the fire to rest start with pouring water or dirt over the logs and coals. Use a shovel, poker, or stick to mix it well.
Move your hand closer to the pit, and if it's still too hot to touch then add more water and or dirt and mix again. Do so until you can touch the remnants of the fire. Hope this helps you fine festive fellows.