Table of ContentsIntroduction ..................................................................................................................... 3

You Need Fire ............................................................................................................. 3

Don’t Be Caught Unprepared ..................................................................................... 3

Chapter 1: Fire Is Life ..................................................................................................... 5

The Soft World of Today ............................................................................................. 5

Be Safe and Share the Knowledge ............................................................................ 5

Chapter 2: The Basic Principles of Fire ......................................................................... 7

The Fire Triangle ......................................................................................................... 7

How Much of Each? ................................................................................................... 7

Fire Safety .................................................................................................................. 7

Properly Extinguishing a Fire ...................................................................................... 8

When You Don’t Want a Fire ...................................................................................... 8

Chapter 3: Choosing and Preparing a Site for Your Fire ............................................. 10

Important Considerations ......................................................................................... 10

Finding and Choosing Your Site ............................................................................... 10

What Should You Look for in a Site? ........................................................................ 10

Preparing the Site ..................................................................................................... 11

Constructing a Fire Wall/Heat Reflector ................................................................... 12

The Old Fashioned Fire Ring ................................................................................... 12

A Fire Base in the Snow ........................................................................................... 12

The Dakota Fire Hole ............................................................................................... 12

Chapter 4: Materials for Building a Fire ....................................................................... 14

Tinder ........................................................................................................................ 14

Kindling ..................................................................................................................... 16

Fuel ........................................................................................................................... 16

Commercial Products for Starting Fires ................................................................... 17

Matches and Lighters ............................................................................................... 17

Flint and Steel ........................................................................................................... 18

Magnesium Fire Stick ............................................................................................... 18

Fire Cubes and Commercial Tinder .......................................................................... 18

Power Pot ................................................................................................................. 18

Chapter 5: How to Build Your Fire – Different Types of Fire ........................................ 20

The Pyramid ............................................................................................................. 20

Lean-To ..................................................................................................................... 20

Cross-Ditch ............................................................................................................... 20

Teepee ...................................................................................................................... 21

Swedish Fire Torch, or the Canadian Candle ........................................................... 21

Rescue Fire .............................................................................................................. 22

Are You Ready? ........................................................................................................ 22

Chapter 6: How to Light the Fire and Keep It Going .................................................... 24

Using the Bow and Drill ............................................................................................ 24

Flint and Steel ........................................................................................................... 25

Fire Plow ................................................................................................................... 26

Bullets, Batteries, and Binoculars ............................................................................. 26

Building a Fire in the Rain ........................................................................................ 26

Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 28

Sources: ....................................................................................................................... 29

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IntroductionWhen you are lost in the wild, you are on the run from enemy forces, or you are simply

trying to get a fire started in your cabin in the middle of winter when you have very little

materials on hand, fire starting knowledge is very important.

In fact, it is essential for your survival.

You Need FireIt helps keep you warm, keeps away predators, and cooks your food. Without it,

chances are you will not last for very long. This is especially true during the cold

weather.

In this book, we’ll go over every aspect of fire you will need to know when you are trying

to survive. We’ll start with the basic principles of fire, choosing a site and preparing it,

using the right materials and actually building and starting your fire.

We will cover the primitive aspects you need to know when it comes to starting a fire,

including the fire plow and the bow and drill technique. We’ll also cover some of the

different types of commercial products you will want to keep with you at home and in

your survival kits.

Don’t Be Caught UnpreparedYou need to know how to start a fire on your own when you have very little materials on

hand and when time is of the essence. It is vital for your survival and the survival of

those you hold dear.

We’re saying this now, and we’ll say it throughout the book, knowledge that you glean

from this volume is important. However, you need to take the knowledge and put it to

use in the real world so you know how to create fire from nothing. If you have only “book

knowledge” of how to do it and no actual practical knowledge, you will be at a

disadvantage. You may still be able to puzzle it out, but you will not have the confidence

of having done it before.

So, let’s get to reading so you can then take what you learn and apply it in the great

outdoors!

Chapter 1: Fire Is LifeQuite often, your ability to survive in a given

situation depends entirely upon your ability to start

a fire. Without a fire, you could freeze. Without a

fire, you would not be able to cook or boil water.

Without a fire, you may not be able to signal rescue

in the event you are lost in the wilderness. Fire can

provide protection and act as a deterrent for wild

animals. As the title of the chapter states, fire is life when it comes to survival.

Of course, one of the other reasons that you will want to have a fire is one that many

people simply don’t think about very often: the psychological factor. Fire is warm and

comforting. It provides a light in the darkness, figuratively and literally.

It chases away the shadows, and without it, most people who are trying to survive would

be simply hiding and huddling together for warmth through the night, just hoping that

they make it to another sunrise. One can never underestimate the psychological benefit

of having a fire, and even simply knowing that you have the skills and knowledge

necessary to do make one

The Soft World of TodayYou are probably well aware that today’s world is “soft and doughy” compared to the

world of a century ago. People today have very little in the way of survival skills that

translate to the real world. They don’t know how to find water, they don’t know how to

hunt, other than scrounging through the gourmet shelves of their local grocery store,

and they certainly do not know how to start a fire.

As important of a skill as fire starting is, in today’s world most people have no idea of

how to build and start a fire unless they are in ideal conditions and have a lighter and

lighter fluid to help them. Of course, when you are starting a fire in a survival situation,

you aren’t exactly throwing a barbecue on the weekend for your friends. You are trying

to live another day. You are trying to make sure your family and friends are comfortable

and able to survive.

No matter where you might find yourself and no matter the conditions, you will have a

much better chance at surviving as long as you know how to build a fire.

This book aims to teach you the skills you need to understand fire, and to build fire

using a variety of different materials in a host of different situations. Our primitive

ancestors knew how to do it, and we might not be here right now if they didn’t!

One of the things that are important to keep in mind is that starting a fire is not always

easy depending on the materials you have and where you are trying to start a fire, as

you will see in later chapters. It takes time and effort to build a proper fire. More than

that, it takes practice.

The information presented here will provide you with the knowledge you need to start a

fire with different tools and in different locales. However, you have to actually practice in

order to develop your skills and your confidence. This means that once you know and

understand the principles in this book, it’s time to put them into action.

Make sure that when you practice starting a fire that you are doing it in a safe location

and that you are being responsible. Also, make sure you have the means on hand –

water or an extinguisher – to put the fire out after it starts. The last thing you need to

have happen while you are learning to survive is to burn down half your neighborhood

or the trees behind your home.

Another thing to think about with fire is the fact that sometimes, you do not want it.

While this is rare, in situations where you are trying to avoid detection by the enemy,

you need to forego a fire if possible and if you don’t need it for immediate survival.

There are some methods of concealing your fire, and they can work, as well. We will

discuss these later in the book.

Be Safe and Share the KnowledgeAs with every aspect of a survival situation, you have to think several steps ahead and

have alternate plans in order to deal with anything that could happen. Be safe, learn

your skills, and pass them on to your family and friends.

The more people who have the knowledge needed to build a fire the better. You never

know what could happen when you are trying to survive.

Consider special operations and Special Forces in the military for a moment. Even

though each person in a unit will have a specialty, such as combat medic or radioman,

each person in that unit will have a basic understanding of the other person’s job simply

so he can step into the other role in an emergency.

Now, translate that to yourself and your group. Even though each person in your group

of survivors might have a specialty, everyone should learn as much as possible to be as

helpful and effective as possible.

Imagine just how bad the following scenario could become. If you are the only person in

your group who knows how to start a fire, and you are ill or injured, what will happen to

the group and to you?

Chances are good that you might perish. The same would be true of water

procurement, hunting, farming, and every other aspect of short and long-term survival.

The more knowledge you have the better off you and your family, and anyone else in

your group, will be.

Everyone in your group should know how to start a fire, and everyone should practice

various techniques in a host of different conditions to make sure they are able to do it.

For example, learning how to find materials and start a fire even when it is damp outside

can be quite beneficial.

Learn from this book.

Share the knowledge.

Survive.

Chapter 2: The Basic Principles of FireBefore you can build a fire, you need to make

sure that you understand the basic principles of

fire as well as what you need to start a fire first.

The Fire TriangleIn order for a fire to burn, it is going to need to

have three things, often called the fire triangle.

It needs:

Fuel

Oxygen

Heat to reach the ignition temperature

Knowing that fire requires these three things in order to be able to burn helps you

understand the challenge that comes from building fires in various types of survival

situations. Even though it may be difficult to create fires in some locales and with some

fuels, there are methods to helping you get a fire up and burning.

When you apply heat to fuel, it will produce a gas that combines with oxygen and

ignites. Wood will need to heat to around 300 degrees Fahrenheit in order to burn. The

heat applied to the wood will then start to wear down the wood, which releases the gas.

The gas will then burn, which provides more heat, and then causes more gases to

release, thus keeping the fire burning.

If you were to take out any one of these elements, the fire would stop burning. For

example, when there is no more fuel, the fire goes out. If you do not have enough wood

for your fire, it will stop burning.

How Much of Each?What is the correct ratio of these three different elements in order to keep a fire

burning?

The truth is that each type of fire is actually a bit different. The environmental conditions,

the location, and a host of other factors all come into play when it comes to building a

fire and keeping it going. Therefore, there are no fast and solid rules as to the ideal

ratios when it comes to the components you need. It is a matter of practicing in different

conditions to see just what you need to do in order to get the fire going and to keep it

going.

Fire SafetyWhen you are building a fire, site selection becomes very important, as we will see in

the next chapter. It can make a huge difference when it comes to safety.

If you start your fire in an area that’s not clear of fuel sources, such as dead wood, low

hanging branches and dried moss, or if you make it too close to your shelter, there is a

chance that the flames could set your shelter or the surrounding forest ablaze.

Always know where your fire will go and look at the surrounding environment to make

sure it won’t all catch on fire! You will want to use the same tips and tactics that you

would if you were simply building a campfire for your weekend camping trip as opposed

to a survival fire.

You need to be extremely cautious whenever you are building a fire for your physical

safety as well as the safety of the surrounding environment. Getting a burn, even a

relatively mild burn, when you are trying to survive in the wild could turn into a death

sentence.

Burns are painful, and they can make doing all of the other tasks you need to complete

for survival all but impossible. You should always err on the side of safety when it comes

to anything to do with surviving, particularly when it comes to starting and maintaining

fires.

Tips Keep the fire far enough away from your shelter so that it won’t catch fire.

Try to build a ring of rocks around the fire if your situation allows for it, as these

will help to prevent the inadvertent spread of the fire.

Clear away the flammable forest debris, dried grasses, etc. from the area around

the fire – at least five to ten feet. This ensures that there is less of a chance of a

spark igniting something on the ground.

Consider putting the fire in a shallow pit.

Never leave the fire unattended.

Have a shovel and water on hand, just in case.

Do not make the fire too large. It should only be as large as you need for warmth,

and cooking. You don’t generally need something as large as a bonfire unless

you are constructing a rescue fire, which we will discuss later.

Safety in PracticeWhenever you are practicing starting fires for survival, you need to make sure that you

are doing so safely.

Make sure you are allowed to have a fire where you are practicing, and make sure you

have water and other extinguishing materials on hand, as well. Never leave the area

without properly extinguishing the fire, which you will learn how to do in the following

section.

Properly Extinguishing a FireBefore we go into detail on how you can start fires in the later chapters, it’s important to

know how to extinguish a fire properly. This ensures your fires do not get out of hand,

and that you are being responsible.

WaterThe ideal way to put a fire out is to wait for it to turn to ash and then pour water over the

ash. If you have the extra water, this is the best and most reliable method for making

sure the fire is out. Check to make sure there are no burning embers left.

However, keep in mind that when you use water to put out a fire, it causes a substantial

amount of smoke, even when you are down to naught but ashes. If you are trying to

stay hidden, this could be a detriment to your plans.

Dirt/SandAn option to put out the fire with less smoke is to cover it in dirt or sand. This is where

having a small folding shovel can become quite handy. Mix the sand and/or dirt into the

ashes and keep turning them until they are well mixed.

You want to mix the ashes, embers and dirt to put out the fire – you do not simply want

to bury the ashes and fire, as it can continue to smolder and burn. It could then catch

roots on fire, or other flammable material and turn into a wildfire. Keep on mixing that

dirt and the ashes until the area is cool and safe.

When You Don’t Want a FireIn some survival situations, even though a fire might make your day or night more

comfortable, it is not advisable to have one, at least not without the proper additional

precautions.

For example, if there are enemies in the area who would want to take the items you

have or who would want to harm you and your group, having a fire could be a very bad

idea. They could detect the smoke from the fire, particularly in the daytime. As evening

sets in, there is a chance they could detect the light from the fire and then go to

investigate.

Keep in mind that people use more than just their eyes when they are hunting for you.

They can sniff you out as well if you have a fire. The scent of a fire travels through the

woods for quite a distance, so make sure you are aware of the wind direction and the

direction of the enemy. Even though they may still be able to smell it, this could make it

a bit more difficult for them to track down.

Of course, this does not apply to all survival situations. However, if it does apply to you

at the time, you need to be able to weigh the pros and cons of starting a fire to

determine if it is worth it and if you really need it to survive the night or if it is just a

matter of additional comfort.

If you are worried about keeping hidden, but you still need a fire for cooking and for a bit

of warmth, consider using the Dakota Fire Hole method, which we discuss in the next

chapter.

Chapter 3: Choosing and Preparing a Site for Your FireNow that you have a better idea of the

basic principles of what makes a fire,

some fires safety basics, and how to

extinguish a fire, it’s time to learn how

to find and prepare a spot for your

fire.

We’ll look at the ideal places to set up

your fire. Of course, when you are

moving through the wilderness and

simply trying to survive the night, you might not be able to set up the “ideal” space for

your fire. That’s understandable.

When you are getting ready to start your fire, you need to consider your situation and a

variety of other factors, as well.

Important ConsiderationsLet’s examine some of the things that you need to think about nearly every single time

you build a fire in a survival situation.

What is the geographic location like? What are the terrain and the climate like?

Are you in the forest or a desert area? Is it winter or is it raining? Each of these

factors will affect the site you use for your fire, as well as your chances of

success when it comes to building a fire.

Akin to the first consideration, you’ll have to consider what types of tools and

materials are available for building the fire. Do you have everything you need for

the fire? Will you be able to access the material in the environment?

How essential is the fire to your survival right now? Is it the most important

element of your survival or should you be doing something else right now, such

as gathering water or constructing a shelter?

How much time do you have to start the fire? Are you on the run from bandits

and thieves right now and trying to get to a safe place? Are you fighting against

the encroaching darkness and trying to light a fire? What does the ticking clock

look like in your situation?

Where is the enemy? Again, this will not apply to every survival situation, but

dealing with the enemy is one of the elements that members of the military have

to consider in survival situations. It may actually apply to you, as well, so it is

something you will want to consider.

Do you need fire to ward off threatening local wildlife? Fire can act as a great

deterrent for large predators such as mountain lions and bears.

What about rescue? In some cases, those who are in the wilderness and who

are starting survival fires will want to have fires to help rescue personnel find

them. In those survival cases, you will actually want people to be able to spot

your fires.

Before you can choose or start preparing a site for your fire, you need to consider all of

those above elements. This lets you know where you stand in terms of getting a fire

going.

Finding and Choosing Your SiteYou want to find the best spot for starting and burning your fire. For example, you want

to find a dry area and dry materials so you aren’t trying to fight against moisture in your

fire building efforts. Of course, if it has been raining for several days, then you have to

find the area that is the most idyllic given your situation.

This is where many people who are trying to learn to survive have trouble. They read

the books and watch videos, and feel there is a specific formula for every situation and

that’s just not how real survival is.

You learn the different techniques and tactics, and then it is up to you to put them

together in each different situation so they work. Sometimes, the tactic you first try will

not work, and you will have to try something else. Every survival scenario is a puzzle,

and you need to be willing and able to adapt if you actually want to survive.

The key is to keep learning as much as possible and to practice as much as possible so

you can adapt.

What Should You Look for in a Site?You may not be able to find all of the following, thus the need to improvise and adapt.

However, these are the things to look for when you are trying to come up with a suitable

fire site.

It Should Be DryDry spots are ideal, as the material you will use for the fire will be able to catch more

easily. If it has been raining, you have a few options. You can look for places such as

abandoned barns and homes, or you could head a bit deeper into the woods to find

areas with thicker canopies.

These thicker canopies tend to keep the forest floor a bit drier. This means that you may

have an easier time of finding material with a little less moisture in it, which should make

starting the fire easier for you. Even a little moisture can put a damper – no pun

intended – on your plans though.

If you are in an area where everything is simply wet, it can certainly make it more

difficult to start a fire. A little preparation though can go a long way in helping you. We’ll

discuss proper preparation for fire building in the next chapter.

Does the Site Have Fire Materials Ready to Go?Ideally, the space you choose for your fire will also have the materials you need to start

a fire on hand. This includes the tinder, kindling, and the actual fuel, or larger pieces of

wood that will keep the fire going.

Naturally, you will not always be able to choose a location that has these materials.

Sometimes, you have a location that’s far less than perfect, such as halfway up a

mountain with barren rock on one side and some scrub grass on the other. As always,

you have to use what you can find to make the best of the situation.

Preparedness and knowledge of your surroundings is a key to this. Again, we’ll go over

this later in the book.

Out of the WindProtection from the wind is important, as well. Too much wind can make it difficult to

start a fire and keep it going. It can also blow embers out of the fire and into the woods,

which can start a wild fire. If you can’t find a spot that is suitably out of the wind, you

may want to try to dig a small pit to get the fire below the wind. This can also slightly

reduce how visible the fire is from a distance.

It Should Fit Your Type of FireWhat does this mean? What is “your type of fire”?

In survival, you may need a fire for several different reasons, and the site you choose,

and the size of the fire, will likely be different for each of them.

You might need a smaller fire and thus a smaller site and fewer materials for a

fire that you use for cooking and keeping warm.

You would need a larger and open space for a fire meant to act as a signal to

rescuers.

You would want to choose a site in an area that offers protection on multiple

sides if you are trying to keep your smoke and light hidden from enemies.

Think about your type of fire and use common sense in choosing the best site to start

building it.

Preparing the SiteWhen you find a suitable location, you will still need to get it ready. This includes

scraping away the flammable material from around the area where you will be starting

the fire. Again, safety is always important.

Clearing away the forest litter on the ground is essential, but you also have to think

about what will be above your fire’s flames. Don’t start the fire too close to a tree with

low hanging branches, or else they could catch fire.

Remove those branches and actually use them as your kindling or fuel depending on

their size.

Once you have a space set up, you can construct the base for your fire. You have quite

a few options.

Constructing a Fire Wall/Heat ReflectorIf you have the time, you can create a fire wall using rocks or logs, or you can choose a

location that has a natural fire wall, such as part of a cliff or cave wall. This is a good

method to use when it is particularly cold out, as it will help to reflect the heat from the

wall and back at you, making it easier to keep warm.

You can build up an L-shaped rock wall or a straight rock wall if you have enough rocks

available. The wall can be just a couple of feet high, and it will do a good job of

maximizing the heat potential of your fire.

Alternately, you can use logs and wood to build up a reflector wall. However, you run a

bit of a risk when you do that. If you use the same fire wall for a long time, that wood,

even green wood, will tend to dry out quite a bit. This means that you could run the risk

of your reflector wall actually catching fire because of a spark.

Beware if you use wood. If you do, consider switching out the wood whenever you have

the time so it does not get too dry and flammable.

The Old Fashioned Fire RingThis type of fire ring is the same one you’ve been using, or at least seeing, with

traditional campfires through the years. Take several large stones and create a ring,

with the center point of the ring being where you will build the fire. It’s easy, and it keeps

the fire contained, even when the wood begins to break down and the fire “falls”.

Another great thing about this is that you can heat up the rocks and use them under the

pillow or in the sleeping bag for a bit of added warmth if needed. Just make sure you

have a method of getting the stones out of the fire without burning yourself, and never

let them contact your skin directly.

While rocks are a great option for this type of ring, you might find that you don’t have

any available. In that case, try to use a shovel or a stick as a means to build up a small

ring of dirt around where the fire will

be. It will serve a similar purpose of

keeping the fuel confined to the space

as the fire burns and breaks it down.

A Fire Base in the SnowSometimes, you may need to start a fire in the snow, and few things can be more

challenging. Many military survival classes tend to hold training in inclement weather.

They have cold weather survival classes just to show members some of the things that

they need to do in order to make it through a frigid night in the wilds.

One of the most important skills to learn is to build a base for the fire in the snow. It is

actually not too difficult to do.

You can use green wood, which doesn’t burn well, for the base. Take several logs or

sticks and lay them down parallel to one another. Add a second layer and lay them

horizontally over the first. Create at least two more layers of the same pattern.

You could use stones for building up a base, as well, but it is generally easier to find

green wood, such as evergreen for this purpose.

If you do use evergreen, you will likely want to strip away any of the needles first,

otherwise, your fire will put off a substantial amount of smoke, and it can actually be

difficult to get close enough to the fire to keep warm without choking on the smoke!

The Dakota Fire HoleThe Dakota Fire Hole is a great option for many different survival situations when you

need to have a fire and you want to conceal your location as much as possible. It also

happens to be relatively easy to build, and works well when you have only a small

amount of fuel for the fire.

Step #1To build up this setup, you will want to start by digging a hole in the ground. This hold

needs to be just large enough to fit your fire making materials and to let you get your

hands down and into the hole to start the fire.

It’s a good idea to build this fire relatively close to a tree or at least to make sure the

area overhead has a nice canopy of branches. This serves to break up any of the

smoke that escapes from the hole and actually makes it more difficult for people to

pinpoint your location, since there will not be a steady stream of smoke.

If you build close to a tree though, make sure there aren’t any roots that poke into the

hole, as they could actually dry out and catch fire.

Step #2Once you have the first hole dug, it’s time to dig a second, slightly smaller hole. Dig this

on the upwind side of your first hole, and connect it via a tunnel below the surface of the

ground.

Step #3You can then add your materials and start your fire in the first hole. The second hole

acts as ventilation, bringing oxygen into the fire. Remember, oxygen is an essential

element of fire.

Thus far, we’ve covered how to find and prepare a good site and the things that you

need to consider before you start a fire. Now that you have an idea of the type of

location you should consider, it’s time to move on to the materials you need to start a

fire.

Chapter 4: Materials for Building a FireIn this chapter, it’s time to start looking at the materials you will need for building a fire

for survival.

At the outset of the chapter, we’ll look at the natural materials you will need to gather

from the wild. Later in the chapter, we’ll go over some of the store bought conveniences

that you can buy and keep in your survival kits.

Fire Building Essentials – Natural Items

You need to have several types of materials for your wilderness survival fires, and even

the fires you may have to build in your permanent or semi-permanent shelter. These

include:

Tinder

Kindling

Fuel

TinderTinder is a dry material that requires just a small amount of heat to ignite. It is generally

quite dry, which means that it should take only a spark or two to catch fire.

The following are some of the best types of tinder. It’s a good idea to gather these and

keep them with you while you are traveling so you always have some on hand. It can

sometimes be difficult to find dry tinder.

Keep a watertight container or two with you so you can ensure these materials stay dry

as well.

Birch bark

Cotton

Dead ferns

Dead grass

Dead moss

Dried evergreen needles

Dried fibers from vegetables

Dried fungus

Dried pieces of rotted logs

Gunpowder

Leaves

Lint

Sawdust

Shredded bark (cedar and red elm works particularly well)

Straw

Thistle

Wood shavings

These are some of the best and some of the most common types of tinder you will be

able to find in most locations. If you are wearing clothing and it is dry, for example, you

should usually have access to lint. Just a little of this outside of the box thinking can go

a long way in making it easier for you to start a fire.

The Tinder NestWhen building the fire, you first want to take your tinder and create a “tinder nest” of

your dry material. This is where you will place the spark no matter what type of method

you are using to start the fire.

Once you place the spark, you can then transfer it to your kindling to get the fire to

spread and catch.

Making Char ClothCharred cloth, or char cloth, is a great way to get your tinder to hold a spark until you

can use it to get the kindling lit. Char cloth is a piece of cotton that has been heated to

the point of burning without actually burning. Instead, the cloth chars, the gases release,

but it doesn’t actually burn.

The cloth then becomes perfect for holding a spark that will last longer than just with

tinder alone. Ultimately, it makes it easier to take the spark you get with the fire building

methods we will go over later and turn that spark into an actual flame. The spark will hit

the cloth and will stay there until you can move it to the tinder and kindling to start the

fire.

It’s a very good idea to start making up some of this char cloth now for your survival kit

long before you need it. Here’s all you need to do to make it. It’s easy and you can do it

in your spare time.

Find a small metal container, such as a shoe polish can you’ve cleaned out or a

tin used for mints.

Put a small hole into the top of the container.

Take small strips of 100% cotton and place them into the container.

Put the lid back on and then put it into a fire or on a stove.

You will start to see smoke coming off the hole in the can, but eventually that

smoke will slow to a trickle and then stop.

The result will be strips of char cloth that will take just a single spark to ignite. Make

plenty of this and put it in your survival kits now. Once you make the cloth, keep it in an

airtight container until you are ready to use it.

KindlingThe kindling is dry material ready to catch fire. It’s larger than the tinder, but smaller

than the actual fuel. Just as you keep an eye out for tinder, you should do the same with

kindling and try to carry a bit with you whenever you can, or store some at your shelter.

This will make it far easier to start fires since you will have the materials with you, and

you can be sure it is dry.

The following are some of the best types of kindling materials to use when starting your

fire.

Small chunks of dry wood

Strips of wood

Thick pieces of cardboard

Twigs

Softwood, such as pine, cedar, and fir tend to work quite well for kindling, as they tend

to dry quickly. Drier wood, we know, will catch fire easily. Of course, you can use just

about any type of sticks for kindling as long as it is dry.

Kindling is just as important as tinder, so do not neglect it. There is no good in having a

spark if you try to apply it directly to the larger fuel. You need the kindling, which will act

as something of a bridge between the two.

Feather Stick – The Hidden Kindling TrickOne of the tricks to making sure you somewhat damp kindling stays lit is to use a

feather stick, sometimes called a fuzz stick. Use a knife to remove the wet outer bark of

your kindling wood and then cut some thin slices into the wood and peel them back

slightly. Make these slices all around the stick.

This reveals the inner, drier wood, and the feathering from making those slices tend to

burn faster, giving you a better flame to get the wood to catch faster. You do not always

have to make one of these feather sticks when you are starting a fire, but if you are

dealing with some kindling that has a wet outside, it can help.

FuelFinally, we have the fuel, namely the larger pieces of wood that you collect. You will

want this material to be as dry as possible, as well. The wood that you use should be

the right size for the type of fire you are building, too.

If you are building a small fire in a Dakota Fire Hole, the fuel needs to be smaller than if

you were building a large signal fire, naturally. Think about the purpose of the fire when

you are collecting your wood.

The following are some of the best options for your fire’s fuel.

Dry grass twisted into larger tight bundles, which will burn longer

Dried peat

Animal dung, such as dried cow patties

Dried fallen wood

Dry standing wood

Honestly, you will find that all types of wood should work well for fires so long as they

are dry. Dryness really is the prevailing factor here. Of course, some, such as knotty

woods including pine, will burn differently. They have sap in them, for example, and they

sometimes will hiss, crackle, and pop as the fire burns them.

One Thing to Always Remember…Whether you are heating your home or your camp, starting a signal fire, or anything

else, the type of wood you have matters. Seasoned wood, or dried wood, is always

going to burn better than fresh green wood full of moisture.

Commercial Products for Starting FiresOnce you have your three elements in place – tinder, kindling, and fire - it is just about

time to get started building your fire. First, though, it’s a good idea to look at some of the

commercial products on the market that can help to make actually starting your fire

easier.

While it is certainly a good idea to know how to use the primitive methods of your

ancestors, which we will go over in the next chapter, it’s also important to make use of

some of the modern conveniences and tools out there that can actually make surviving

quite a bit easier.

Let’s look at some of the best types of products on the market that you might want to

consider buying for your survival gear.

Matches and LightersThese are some of the simplest methods of getting a spark to your tinder and starting a

fire, and you should certainly have some on hand. However, you have to make sure that

you are getting the right products.

Always Choose Strike Anywhere Matches over Safety MatchesWhen it comes to matches, do not make the mistake of getting safety matches. The

safety matches can only work on special surfaces. The strike anywhere matches –

waterproof – are the best option. They will work when struck on any hard or rough

surface, making them ideal for survival.

If you can’t find a waterproof version of these matches, don’t worry. You can always put

them in a waterproof container instead, and it will work almost as well.

You can find these through most stores in your local area, including places such as

Walmart, the grocery stores, and many camping and sporting goods stores. It is not

always as easy to get these online, simply because they have higher costs due to

shipping regulations.

If you are going to be buying matches, it’s a good idea to buy several different kinds at

first and put them through their paces so you can find one that actually works well in

different conditions. Practice with and use the matches, as well as lighters, for building

fires, just as you will practice with the primitive methods.

As we’ve said, the more skills you have and that you actually practice, the better off you

will be when it comes to actually surviving.

A Good LighterLighters are a good tool to have as well. While a BIC or

similar cheap plastic lighter can work in a pinch,

especially if you are able to keep them dry and safe,

they are not the only types of lighters on the market.

Zippos tend to be a good choice, and you can find

some that can even withstand being out in the wind and

still keep a flame.

However, one of your best bets might actually be to consider buying a “survival lighter”.

There really are such things on the market, and many quality brands, including Zippo,

are making them today. They are not the only brand on the market today, and you will

want to check some of the other options out there, including the following:

Numyth Tohil Lighter

IMCO Triplex Super

Maratac Peanut

These are just some of the best options out there right now. Check the reviews and

choose the one that has the features – and the good reviews – that you need.

In addition, it really might be a good idea to buy quite a few of those cheaper plastic

lighters just to have on hand as well. You can never have too many fire starting

methods.

Flint and SteelPeople have been using flint and steel to start fires since… well, probably since people

first discovered flint and steel.

Sometimes, you might have only a single hand available to start a fire. The other limb

might be injured. That does not mean that you don’t need a fire though, and fortunately,

it doesn’t mean you are out of luck. You can find some great single-handed options for

creating a spark with just one hand.

Spark-Lite

Dog Tag Fire Starter

BlastMatch

Any of these could be a good addition to your bag of tricks. Again, check the review and

choose the one that looks as though it will be the best fit for you.

Magnesium Fire StickMagnesium sticks are just about as popular as plain old flint and steel, and they can do

an even better job according to some. With these sticks, you take your knife and shave

off just a small bit of magnesium from the stick onto your tinder nest. Then, flip the stick

around and hit your knife against it to create a spark.

When that spark hits the magnesium, it will burn bright and fast, and it should not have

any problem lighting up that tinder. It becomes easy to get the fire going in the tinder

bundle until you can get it to your kindling.

Magnesium fire starters are easy to find online and offline through sites such as

Amazon and in most sporting goods and camping stores. If you’ve never used one of

these sticks before, they are certainly worth getting. Buy one and practice with it to see

just how easy it is to use.

Once you have one, you’ll see that magnesium fire sticks are one of the best methods

of starting a fire that is a great bridge between the modern and primitive fire starting

methods out there.

Best of all, they are cheap, so you will want to stock up on them and take one with you

whenever you go out into the wild.

Fire Cubes and Commercial TinderFire cubes are actually another good item you might want to consider buying. These

cubes and commercial tinder ensure that you always have something dry with you that

will catch fire. Some will ignite instantly, and you can then use them to start your main

fire, even if you don’t have any other fire building tools with you, save for some kindling

and wood.

Again, many different varieties and brands of these are available today, so you will want

to check up on the reviews that are out there to see which ones are likely to work the

best.

Power PotOne of the other items you may really want to consider is the PowerPot, which is

something that relatively few people know about or keep in their bag of survival tricks.

However, it really could be a good option for you.

What is the Power Pot?Saying that it is a technological marvel is not going too far. It has the potential to

become one of the most important survival devices that you ever own. By now, you are

probably wondering what this thing does though.

It is able to create power from any heat source, whether you are using propane, wood,

or anything else for that matter. You can use the power created by the device to charge

your phone and other USB devices, so you never have to worry about not having power.

Imagine just how helpful this could be when you are camping. Now imagine how much

more beneficial it could be in a survival situation.

Since it gathers power from the fire and the heat, you don’t have to worry about some of

the disadvantages that solar powered devices have. Namely, you aren’t going to be

doing much charging in the middle of the night with a solar unit. The Power Pot works

day and night, whether the sun is shining or it is pouring rain.

In addition, you can use the device for boiling water so you can purify it for drinking or

even cook a meal. It’s a very durable and rugged product too, which makes it an ideal

option for the backpackers, hikers, and survivalists out there.

You can learn more about the device at http://www.powerpractical.com/powerpot-v. It

really is a good option.

Give it a shot.

Chapter 5: How to Build Your Fire – Different Types of FireEverything else has been leading you up

to this point and getting you ready. Now it

is time to get down to the good stuff –

actually building and creating the fire. In

this chapter, we’ll look at several different

types of fires you can build, as well as

how to build a fire in inclement weather.

Even though it is not easy when raining, it

is sometimes possible.

First, we’ll look at some of the most common and workable methods of building up your

fire materials, and then we will get into the different techniques of actually bringing your

fire to life.

Pyramid

Lean-To

Cross-Ditch

Teepee

Swedish Fire Log

The PyramidThis is one of the most common types of fire building methods. To create the fire, you

will first want to take two small logs or large branches and place them on the ground so

that they are parallel to one another.

Next, take several slightly smaller logs or branches and lay them across the parallel

logs. Add another layer on top of this one going in the other direction. Keep doing this

until you have a pyramid stacked five or six layers high. As you go up in layers, the size

of the fuel that you use should be smaller.

With this type of fire, you will be starting the fire at the top. It will burn those smaller

pieces of fuel first and gain strength as it burns and lights the branches below.

One of the nice things about this type of structure is that once you start it, you don’t

have to pay too much attention to it, as it will feed itself. If you make it large enough, you

can actually have the fire burn throughout the night.

Lean-ToThis type of fire building method is not quite as popular, but it can still be quite useful,

and it is easy to build. In order to do this, you need to take a green stick of wood and

sharpen it at one end. Place the sharpened end into the ground at a 30 degree angle or

thereabouts. You might need to place a few rocks around the base, just so it can steady

the stick.

When you place the stick, try to point the upper end in the direction of the wind, as this

will help to push some oxygen into the fire, keeping it lit.

You will want to place your kindle at the base of the stick – near the part you’ve got in

the ground. Lean kindling sticks along each side of the pointed stick and create a

miniature lean-to. Just make sure you have enough room to get a spark into that tinder

without knocking over your kindling.

Once you have the tinder on fire, it will begin to catch the kindling on fire. As the kindling

catches and begins to burn, watch the fire and continue to add kindling slowly until the

fire is large enough that you can add some of the larger fuel.

This type of design works well, but it takes a bit more handholding than the pyramid and

other methods.

Cross-DitchHere’s another simple method that you can use for getting a fire going. With the cross-

ditch method, you will want to use a stick or a shovel to dig out a small ditch that’s only

about seven to eight centimeters or so deep.

Dig it into the shape of a cross, and then place your tinder next at the center of this

cross. Above the tinder, you can build a pyramid or teepee. Again, make sure you have

access to the tinder and can put a spark to it without actually tipping over or upsetting

your kindling.

The purpose of the ditch is to make sure you have enough airflow through to the

kindling and the tinder to provide oxygen to the fire.

If you notice that you aren’t getting enough of a fire going with this method, it could be

that your ditch simply isn’t quite deep enough. Start over, dig it a little deeper, and see if

you can angle the cross toward the wind.

TeepeeThe teepee method is probably the most popular method, and is the one that you often

see on television and in movies for some reason. Again, building the teepee is not too

difficult to do with a little practice.

The first step after preparing your site and clearing away the flammable material on the

ground is to set up your tinder in the center of the area where you want to build.

Next, arrange your kindling around the tinder in the shape of a teepee. Leave an

opening at the base when you are creating the teepee, as you will still need to be able

to get your spark in there to light the kindling.

When the fire begins to burn, the outer kindling will fall into and feed the fire, keeping it

going. You can start adding some larger logs, as the fire gets bigger. One of the

advantages to this type of fire is that it tends to work fairly well with wet wood.

As the fire burns, it helps to dry the wood out a bit. It doesn’t necessarily require the

same amount of watching as the lean-to, but it’s not quite as hands free as the pyramid.

It is still a good option though, and is probably one of the first ones that most people

learn how to build when they go out camping.

Definitely make it a part of your own fire-building arsenal.

Swedish Fire Torch, or the Canadian CandleHere is a great and simple way to get a fire going that’s good for camping and survival

situations alike. It’s a bit different from some of the other methods that you will learn, but

it is still a good trick to know if you have the right gear.

This is an option for those who have access to a permanent or semi-permanent shelter

for the most part.

The Swedish Fire Torch, sometimes called the Canadian Candle, is a method of getting

the heat and light you need from a fire, and of creating a nice and stable cook top for

your pans.

The first thing you will want to have is a log that is perhaps two feet high and flat on both

sides. It should be perhaps ten inches in diameter, at least. If you have a chainsaw, it

makes this method simpler, but you can do it with an axe as well.

Set the log up so that one flat end is on the ground and the other is up in the air. With

the chainsaw, cut several deep notches down into the log, but do not go so far down

into the log that it actually splits apart entirely.

You want to have notches in the wood that are wide enough that you will then be able to

stuff your tinder, and perhaps even some of the smaller kindling down into them. When

you put the lit tinder there, it will begin to smolder and then catch, eventually igniting the

log from the inside.

This can actually burn for quite some time, and it can give off a good amount of heat. Of

course, one of the best things about it is that flat surface on the top. It makes an ideal

place for you to place a pan for cooking or boiling water so that you can drink it.

If you are going to use this method to cook, make sure that you watch your pots and

pans. As the log burns down further and further, it becomes less and less stable. You

don’t want your water or food to spill because you weren’t watching it properly.

Keep in mind that if you use an axe it takes a bit more precision and skill to create the

notches. In addition, you might not be able to get quite as deep without splitting the

wood.

A Second MethodYou might be thinking that the Canadian Candle sounds great, but you don’t have a

chainsaw and you may not have an axe in your situation. You can try a second method

of creating something that’s very similar to this. Instead of a log, get some old lumber,

perhaps from a dilapidated home or barn.

Use some nails as spacers to put the lumber together and to recreate the “notched”

look. Make sure you leave enough space to stuff the tinder and some kindling. If you

have a bit of wire, you will be able to hold it together for even longer as it burns.

While this method will work in a pinch, it does have the drawback of not being able to

cook on it, at least not as easily. This is because these tend to be less stable than the

logs are.

Rescue FireSometimes, the fires you build are for more than warmth and cooking. Sometimes, they

are for signaling for rescue, which is another important aspect of many survival

situations. If the world goes down the tubes and you are trying to avoid detection, then

you don’t need to know about this method.

However, if you are simply a lost hiker and you need to make sure the planes and

rescuers know exactly where to look for you, then this method could be a lifesaver.

People hate the idea of forest fires and wildfires. They actively look for signs of these

fires so they can go out and put a stop to them before they spread. Thus, if you are lost

and no one knows where you are, starting a fire that looks like the beginning of a forest

fire is a great way to draw some attention and to differentiate you from a regular

campfire.

We say looks like a wildfire because you don’t actually want to start a wildfire. It’s too

dangerous and causes too much damage. However, you can replicate the look, and you

can send up large plumes of smoke to get the attention of people who can rescue you.

The Basics of the Signal FireSignal fires need to have more fuel than a normal fire for warmth, and they need to have

the right type of fuel. First, you need to make sure that it is large enough to produce

enough smoke, but not so large that it could get out of control.

A good trick to ensure the fire is producing enough smoke is to throw on some things

such as evergreen boughs, which will smoke readily. If you have anything that’s a bit

oily or rubbery that you don’t need for survival, tossing that onto the fire can also

produce a thick, dark smoke that can gain some attention.

This is especially important to consider given the type of day it is. Let’s say it’s a bit hazy

outside and there’s some low cloud cover. Putting up white smoke, which most fuel you

will find in the woods will produce, might not be enough to get the rescuers to see you.

Instead, you’ll want to see if you can find something such as cooking oil or even motor

oil to throw up some black smoke.

On a clear day, white smoke should be fine for attracting the attention of the rescuers

though. Once again, you can see how important it is to use common sense and to

improvise for different scenarios.

You also need to make sure it is in a visible place, such as a clearing or the top of a hill

or a mountain. If you try to light a signal fire under a thick canopy of trees, it could

dissipate the smoke and the rescuers might never actually see you.

If a plane sees the smoke, they will generally tip their wings to let you know they’ve

seen you. A helicopter will hover in the area and may even land if it is safe. Ground

rescuers may take longer, but they will head toward that smoke. This leads to the next

essential part of a signal fire.

Stay PutOne of the big problems that can come with rescue is that the lost person doesn’t stay

in place after they signal for rescue. Once you get the smoke in the air and you see that

rescuers are on the way, or even while you are simply waiting for someone to notice the

smoke, don’t leave the area and try to find your way out. Don’t travel in the direction of

the aircraft. Stay where you are as long as there is no immediate danger and wait for

the rescuers to arrive.

When you leave the area, it makes it more difficult for the rescuers to locate you and

bring you home safely.

Are You Ready?The types of fire designs and structures we’ve gone over in this chapter aren’t the only

ones you can try. However, they are the ones most commonly used by survivalists and

by the military. They work, and they are relatively easy to remember too, which makes

them even better.

Which one of these should you try? Which one is the best? Different situations and

different locations may require that you use one method instead of the other. Perhaps

you don’t have enough materials to create the pyramid technique. Maybe you are on a

hard surface that you can’t dig into to create the cross-ditch method. Use what is best

for your current situation.

Practice each of these different techniques so you know how to build them. Yes, when

you read about creating teepees and pyramids, it all seems easy. However, you need to

get in the practical knowledge of how to do it by doing it. Getting that teepee to stand up

when it is cold and windy is not always easy to do. It’s not easy to dig a cross-ditch

when the ground is frozen.

Are you ready?

If not, then it is time to get ready. Now, read on so you can learn all about making the

flame!

Chapter 6: How to Light the Fire and Keep It GoingYou have your materials for the fire, with the

tinder just waiting for that spark. You’ve built a

nice pyramid or teepee and now the only thing

that you have to wait for is the spark that will

ignite it and bring your fire to life.

This is the most exciting part.

Starting the actual fire is also the part that can

be the most frustrating and that requires the most practice and dedication to get right.

When you practice these methods, you will feel discouraged. Starting a fire using

primitive techniques is not an easy thing to do, even for those who have knowledge and

skill in the area. Sometimes, starting the fires takes longer than other times.

Perseverance, combined with knowledge, is the key to creating a fire with these

primitive methods.

Using the Bow and DrillWhen you are using the bow and drill method, it’s a good idea to try to use the best

possible wood for the process. Many types of wood will work, but the following are some

of the best:

Willow

Balsam Fir

Cedar

Spruce

Aspen

Poplar

The idea of the bow and drill is quite simple, but it takes time and effort, along with

many calories to get it to work properly.

The MaterialsYou also need to be sure you have all of the right items. You need:

Bow

Drill

Socket

Fire Board

For the bow, you will want to choose a piece of green wood that is supple enough and

strong enough to bend without breaking. It should be about the diameter of your thumb,

although this can vary based on what works best for you and what you have on hand.

In addition, the bow will need to have a piece of string tied to each end without leaving

any slack. For the string, you can use some vine or other cordage that you have. It’s

possible to use a bootlace or shoelace, but there is a chance of it breaking, so be aware

of that.

Ideally, the drill will be a piece of seasoned hardwood, and it should be as straight as

possible. It should be just slightly thinner than the wood you use for the bow, and it

should be about ten inches long.

Your socket can be a small rock that will fit into the palm of your hand and that has a

small depression on one end that will be able to hold one end of the drill in place.

You can often find good sockets in creek beds, even dry ones. However, you should be

able to find them just about anywhere with a bit of looking.

The fireboard will need to be a piece of softwood that is about four to five inches wide

and a little less than an inch thick. On the edge of the board’s underside, you will take

your knife or other sharp instrument to cut a V notch into it. Create a notch on the

topside of the board that will lead down to the V as well. This is where the coal will fall

onto your tinder.

Starting the FireOnce you have these materials, you can get ready to start trying to make fire. Get your

small tinder nest ready by placing it under the V cut you made on the board. Now, put

one foot on the board to hold it down. Some people use their bare feet, as they say it

helps to give them a better grip, but that’s up to you. Practice with both methods. Of

course, if it is cold out, you might want to keep those boots and socks on.

Loop your bowstring over the drill and place the drill into the depression. Hold the bow

in one hand, and hold the drill in place onto that depression with the socket.

Now comes the hard part.

Move the bow back and forth in a smooth motion. This will spin the drill and cause

friction. Try to increase the speed of the bow to increase the friction without the bow

slipping or the string breaking. This is where things get frustrating for many people

because they don’t know how hard to press down on the socket or how fast to move the

bow.

Since different situations and different pieces of wood, and sockets for that matter, will

act differently, all of this can change from fire to fire. It really is a matter of practice and

getting the basic skills down first. Then, you can use those basics to adjust to the

different particulars, such as a different type of wood. Honestly, only practicing survival

techniques will get you to the point where you can survive.

Once you get the method down, the friction will cause much of the wood on the

fireboard to start to rub away and to become dust. It’s in that black dust that you want to

be looking for the ember. This will fall down into your tinder nest and begin to smoke.

At that point, you want to nurture that fire. Blow carefully onto the nest to coax the spark

into a flame and then start adding some of your other tinder to keep the fire going. Bring

it to your fire build and put it onto your additional tinder. Slowly feed it kindling so you

can build the fire gradually.

It is essential that you are very careful when you are moving the tinder from one location

to another, as you do not want to put out the flame.

Flint and SteelWhen you compare this to the other primitive methods, you’ll see that it is the simplest

and most effective option available. While it’s still primitive, it is actually close to some of

the modern techniques, such as using the magnesium stick. In fact, you can find flint

and steel sets in the store today.

Of course, you might not always have access to one of these sets. Instead, you may

need to use some flint, or other sharp edged rock, that you find. You will need this as

well as a piece of carbon steel.

Place your tinder down in front of you and then strike the flint and steel together. This

creates sparks. You want to get one of those sparks to land on the tinder. Once you do,

you’ll need to treat the tinder just as carefully as you did with the bow and drill method,

or any other method.

Slowly add your kindling and fuel to coax out a nice fire.

While the bow and drill method can be very frustrating and can take hours to work

(when it does work), you can get a fire going with flint and steel in a matter of minutes.

Thus, you should always have flint and steel with you if you can.

Did You Make Char Cloth?If you have some char cloth, which we discussed earlier, getting a spark to land on and

light up the char cloth is actually easier than getting it to start the tinder on fire. You can

send a spark to your char cloth and then use that to start up your tinder to make things

easier on you.

Fire PlowThe Fire Plow is another primitive method that relies on friction to work properly. It is

similar to the bow and drill, but the amount of items you need is even less. This requires

a hardwood shaft that’s about ten inches long and a softwood fireboard that’s about

twelve inches long and four to five inches wide.

Cut a notch down the center of the fireboard, which is where you will work the drill.

Place the board at an angle against your lap while you are kneeling, and put your tinder

nest at the bottom of the board. Use the plow to move up and down along that notch.

This friction will generate heat and will start to burn the wood, creating that same black

dust from the bow and drill method.

This should eventually create a spark that will fall onto your tinder and ignite it. As

always, it’s important to pay attention to your tinder so you can see any signs of smoke

from where an ember might be burning.

Once you have that spark, it’s time to blow that flame to life and carefully move it to your

kindling and fuel.

Bullets, Batteries, and BinocularsIn this section, we’ll cover several unique methods of starting a fire, and we’ll list some

of those commercial methods that you really do not want to overlook!

Bullets for a Damp Tinder NestIf you have bullets with you, whether you were hunting, hiking, or on the run from the

enemy, then you have a good way to start a fire a little easier. This works quite well if

you have any damp tinder, too, and you are using flint and steel, or even other methods.

Use a multi-tool to remove the bullet from the casing very carefully. Pour out the

gunpowder onto a leaf or piece of paper and then move it to your tinder bundle. Now,

when a spark hits that gunpowder, it will flare up, helping to dry that tinder, and helping

to catch it on fire faster.

When you are using the fire plow and the bow and drill method, you will find that this

works well, too. It takes just that little spark to ignite the powder, and that means you

can make these methods work faster and more reliably.

BatteriesIf you have a battery, such as a car or boat battery, along with some wires or cables,

then you are in business. Make sure you are well insulated and then touch those wires

together to create instant sparks that can ignite your tinder.

Another great trick to use is to carry some 9-volt batteries with you, along with some

steel wool. When you touch the steel wool to the battery, it creates sparks and starts the

steel wool on fire, which you can then simply add to your tinder. This fast and easy

method is one anyone who has the items can use reliably every time. If you hike, put

these in your pack. Keep them separate in your pack unless you want a nasty surprise

though.

Convex LensesThis method takes some time and patience, but it does work. On particularly sunny

days, it can actually work very well, too. All you need is a convex lens, such as you

might find with a magnifying glass, telescope, camera, or binoculars.

Simply hold the lens at an angle over the tinder and concentrate the sun’s rays onto one

particular spot. This area will heat up and will eventually ignite. Blow on the tinder to get

it to turn into a flame and then add it to your kindling.

Building a Fire in the RainFinally, let’s look at a few parting tips to help make it a little bit easier for you to start a

fire when it’s raining or snowing.

Always try to find the driest wood possible, even in bad weather.

Carve off the outer, wetter bark to get at the drier stuff inside

Keep the fire out of the direct rain or snow as much as you can – even propping

up a jacket or garbage bag can help to keep the fire drier.

Keep out of the wind.

Get outside and practice when it is wet and rainy. Seriously, it’s the best way to

learn!

It is important to remember that starting a fire in bad weather really will take longer, and

it might not be possible. If you find that you are unable to get a fire going when it is

snowing or the rain is getting colder, it might be better to seek better shelter and to get

out of the rain as much as possible.

Learn from what happened and make sure that you begin collecting and carrying tinder

and small bits of kindling with you so that you can be sure that you always have dry

materials available. It will make starting a fire much easier when you are in a bad

situation.

ConclusionYou now have knowledge of the techniques

needed to start a fire in the wilderness or at

home, and you know the materials you need to

have on hand or gather. When you have the

ability to start a fire, you can keep death,

darkness, and cold at bay for you and your

family.

It is time that you take this knowledge and start building skills by getting out there and

putting them into practice. As you learn, these skills become second nature to you, and

they become a part of you. Keep learning and teach others what they will need to do in

order to survive when it comes to building a fire.

When you realize that you have several ways that you can make fire seemingly out of

nothing, your confidence levels, and your ability to survive, will soar!

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