Creating a Fire Element themed cache

[+PlanetMoon123]

Hello all!

 

We were tinkering around with an idea to create a series of Element themed caches. Now water and earth will be more easy, however creating a "fire" themed cache is proving to be a difficult concept.   I want the users to have to use these elements in order to access the cache.

 

I was thinking maybe something using Match sticks , but we have to keep it safe and not burn down a forest.

 

 

Any ideas??

[Keystone]

You could build a fake campfire (teepee style) with a container tucked inside.

[+Wet Pancake Touring Club]

Instead of an open flame, what about using something that could be used to start a fire? For example, use a fire starter stick as a key to a lock. Or, consider using heat as a fire substitute. You could use a hand warmer packet to warm a thermocouple. Both of these ideas would probably have to be some kind of gadget cache.

[+barefootjeff]

This is a fake campfire I used on one of my hides. It was a stage in a multi so the coordinates of the next stage were written on the underside of the log, but for a traditional a hollow scorched log could be used to conceal the container.

 

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[+ras_oscar]

there are also battery operated electric "candles" that could provide a light source to a photo sensor.

[+Wet Pancake Touring Club]

On 6/7/2022 at 4:49 PM, barefootjeff said:

This is a fake campfire I used on one of my hides. It was a stage in a multi so the coordinates of the next stage were written on the underside of the log, but for a traditional a hollow scorched log could be used to conceal the container.

If I did something like this, I would make sure that fires are allowed in the area. I wouldn't want someone to get the impression that fires are allowed in an area where they are not. I would also worry about someone using my campfire for real, and burning up my cache/waypoint.

[+barefootjeff]

5 hours ago, Wet Pancake Touring Club said:

If I did something like this, I would make sure that fires are allowed in the area. I wouldn't want someone to get the impression that fires are allowed in an area where they are not. I would also worry about someone using my campfire for real, and burning up my cache/waypoint.

 

I put mine deep in the undergrowth where it would make no sense to try to have a camp fire, and there was a real fire pit out in the open nearby where I got the coals from, so anyone wanting to make a fire would do so there. That was part of its undoing, as with successive wet la Nina summers the undergrowth became so thick it was almost impossible to get to.

[+eigengott]

On 6/7/2022 at 11:00 PM, PlanetMoon123 said:

I want the users to have to use these elements in order to access the cache.

 

Interesting concept!

 

For fire I'd probably build a device with a bimetallic strip, which must be heated with a lighter. The device could then either reveal info for the final cache. Or, for a traditional cache, open the lock of the box. Of course this should be placed in a location without wildfire hazard, for example in rocky or asphalted terrain.

Edited June 10, 2022 by eigengott

[+baer2006]

2 hours ago, eigengott said:

 

Interesting concept!

 

For fire I'd probably build a device with a bimetallic strip, which must be heated with a lighter. The device could then either reveal info for the final cache. Or, for a traditional cache, open the lock of the box. Of course this should be placed in a location without wildfire hazard, for example in rocky or asphalted terrain.

Over the years, I have found two gadget caches which worked along these lines. You had to bring a lighter to apply heat to some device/sensor/whatever, so that some information is revealed (coordinates or code for a lock).

[+cerberus1]

Googling "plastic fake fire for decoration" brought numerous examples of fire-like options with no concerns of actual heat/flame.

Still would probably have to be far from accidental discovery (it looks like fire...), maybe depending on local fire regs too.

Place a micro or small container within...

[+Lostboy1966]

I built this as a series - Air, Fire, Earth, Water, Life. The lids are wood blocks attached to Lock&Locks, with carved alabaster for the element 'runes'. Under each lid, a number can be found to locate the 'Life' final Mystery (the one in the middle). I never got around to hiding them, and instead donated them to another local player to place. Someday I'll get to find my own containers - it's a win-win! 😎

Edited June 10, 2022 by Lostboy1966

[+JL_HSTRE]

Matchstick containers used to cost a dollar at Walmart. They're about the size of a film can, but fairly waterproof. Take out the matches, put in a logsheet. The containers are bright orange.

 

Alternatively, deliberately fire-damage a container then put an undamaged, waterproof inside it.

[+cerberus1]

Similar to JL_HSTRE, most our micros were matchstick holders, but they were OD green.

Cachers will recognize it as a matchstick holder.  Not many walk around with match sticks anymore...   

Our first lot came from a Coleman store nearby, later we bought the same on ebay.