Thanks to the pan's ability to retain heat, the Phil wouldn't cool down too quickly. Placing it next to the fire further reduced heat loss.
However, because it was being kept warm, its temperature was higher than if it were resting at room temperature. The resting time, therefore, had to be shortened, or it would end up more done than intended.
There was nothing to be done about it. This was the Alaskan wilderness in winter, after all.
Metal conducts heat well, meaning it can retain heat, but it also loses it quickly.
If it wasn't placed next to the fire, the pan would lose all its heat in under two minutes. The drastic temperature change would prevent the steak's interior from cooking evenly, making it impossible to achieve the desired level of doneness.
As a result, when it was time to sear it again, the center would be less done than planned.
