Swedish torch

A Swedish torch[a] is a source of heat and light from a vertically set tree trunk, incised and burning in the middle.

Oral tradition attributes the development of the torch to the Swedish military during the Thirty Years' War; using a saw or hacksaw or an axe, the Swedes are said to have made burning and glowing logs to warm their soldiers.

[1] This method of providing heat meant that their troops did not have to carry their own firewood with them but were able to get supplies on site, as the freshly cut, green wood can burn due to the chimney effect.

The best types for cooking are hardwoods like beech, oak, apple, ash or cherry, as they are less sooty and would not taint the meat.

[1] The log is easiest to ignite with paraffin (or lighter fluid), which is inserted into the side slots and also at the top at the saw cut point of the trunk.

[1] Choosing a safe place to set the torch is important due to flying sparks and possibility of it falling apart.

It is ignited by pouring a few embers or by loading it with an easily flammable material such as kerosene, fuel tablets, or fire starters.

Swedish fire with sparks flying
Making and using two types (sawed and drilled) of Swedish torches in Kõrvemaa, Estonia (September 2022)
Swedish fire made without drill:
After an incision at the base, split according to A or B , C : split off section with a view of the "torch bottom"
D : removed core, assembled E : ready-made tree torch with ventilation hole
A burning Swedish torch (made according to the blast furnace principle)