Ralph said that a ship could see the smoke from up there and rescue them.
All of the boys climb the mountain and build a huge fire.
Piggy
They build a large signal fire at the top of the mountain, but it is later moved down to the beach because of the "beast" on the mountian.
The boys in Lord of the Flies are from England, to quote Jack, in chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain... "After all, we're not savages. We're English; and the English are best at everything."
The mountain is mentioned in Lord of the Flies at various points throughout the novel. It is primarily associated with the signal fire that the boys try to maintain in order to signal passing ships for rescue. The mountain also becomes a symbolic focal point for the boys' struggle to maintain order and civilization on the island.
Three shelters
Simon!
When Ralph, Simon and Jack return from climbing the mountain and explain to a meeting of all the boys that they are indeed on an island. Ralph then suggests that in order to increase their chances of being rescued they should build a signal fire on the top of the mountain. All the boys then immediately run off, led by Jack, to build a fire.
Piggy was the last boy to reach the top of the mountain.
The jungle catches fire
The jungle catches fire
The boys decide to build a signal fire on top of the mountain and too keep it lit to attrack the attention of any passing ships or airplanes.