Why use a Dakota fire pit?

Question

While reading this answer I ended up watching a couple of youtube videos and heard this guy mentioning a "Dakota fire pit".

I hadn't heard about it before, but could easily find a few images by searching the web:

Seems pretty straighforward, but the question remains:

• Why would I build a fire pit like this?
• What are the advantages?

Answer 1

Efficiency, mostly

• The fire should be able to burn very hot.
• Less fuel is needed (faster cooking).
• Produces less smoke.
• Less susceptible to wind.
• Light is shielded.
• Easy to cover up to extinguish.
• Covering it to remove evidence is easier.
• Support for cookware is easily added (something like green sticks across the top is possible).
• Should produce less sparks and floating cinders (than a surface fire), which would make it safer in dry conditions

There's always a downside

• The biggest downside is that you still have to dig in the ground and most likely damage it (not a leave no trace fire).
• Should be pretty useful if you've got a permanent camp. But it could be a lot of effort for a one-nighter.

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Sources: Modern Survival Blog, Survival Topics, @DCShannon, @Liam