There is always great debate aboout how a Braai Fire should be packed. The Teepee method or the Box method, being two of the most popular. A braai fire is far more than just a random pile of wood. It has to have enough feul to keep burning, but still needs to breathe.
But more than that a braai fire is a 'Kuierplek' and one never braais as early as intended.
I remember my dad always saying 'you have to have enough coals' . I attempted my first braai fire 6 Months after my dad passed away. My mom, my sister and I were salivating for a braai chop. Remembering my Dad's advice I built a Bonfire and nearly set fire to the garage. The scorch marks were on the facias till my mom sold the house.
When you do braai, please use wood from invasive species like Rooikranz or Wattle instead of indigenous trees