Since "Debris Shelters" by definition are built from flammable materials (dead leaves, cured dead wood), I am not going to build a fire inside of one.

I will:

1) Use a candle(s) to help warm it up before going to sleep.

2) Build a windbreak/heat reflector opposite side of the fire pit to reflect heat and light back into the hut.

3) Heat up rocks (if there are any there) before bedtime to line the hut with.

4) Bank my fire before crawling into the hut so I don't have to exercise my Fire Escape & Extinguishing plans while I'm trying to get some sleep!

I basket weave smaller diameter sticks among several larger young trees (saplings) and larger vertical limbs in a semi-circular pattern. I'll work the weave up at least 3 feet, higher if the materials are available.

Evergreen trees such as pine or cedar are excellent horizontal materials as their needles help close up the gaps in the weave.

I never forget that my family, like USCG Cutters, have always done 2 things too well,,,,,burn and sink!!