Travel at night is the only way to go, if you’re in danger. An open fire that is good for night profile isn’t easy to make quickly. And a small fire won’t keep your stationary body warm enough.
Take advantage of this time to spend time working and moving - producing your own heat. The daytime is a good time to spend sedentary.
Building a quality, hidden fire like an Arkansas stove, or a buried breather takes time that you may not have.
A larger fire at night is only where I go to warm up for a few minutes anyway. Other than that, I’m up the ways a little bit on my stomach in my shock blanket waiting for something to come to my camp and tent to raid it.
Your mileage may vary. I live in an area with some good rivers and streams. I’m trying to design and build a survivalist Kayak this year. I never thought of it until my wife turned me onto the idea.
I like that idea about the kayak. It will stimulate ideas.