How to Start a Fire

Firestarters by Jane M. Smith 2009, Fuel Arrangement by Gypsy Wilburn 2009, Campfire photo by Jane M. Smith 2009

There are many ways to start a fire. Flint and steel takes more time and skill than you might have if you are faced with an immediate need for warmth. Using string and twig sounds great in theory, but it is also not a method to rely on when time is crucial. Carry a lighter, magnifying lens or a waterproof container with strike-anywhere matches whenever you hike, climb or paddle, and you will always have a reliable source of quick heat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Lighter, matches or magnifying lens Dry starter such as paper, pine needles, bark, straw or dry grass Dry wood shavings Kindling (less than 1/8-inch diameter twigs) Dry build-up wood (1/8-inch diameter to 1-inch diameter) Dry firewood (1-inch to 3-inch diameter) Dry logs (3-inch or larger diameter, up to 2-feet long)
Lighter, matches or magnifying lens
Dry starter such as paper, pine needles, bark, straw or dry grass
Dry wood shavings
Kindling (less than 1/8-inch diameter twigs)
Dry build-up wood (1/8-inch diameter to 1-inch diameter)
Dry firewood (1-inch to 3-inch diameter)
Dry logs (3-inch or larger diameter, up to 2-feet long)

Step 1

Clear an area for your fire, including a fire break that is at least 3 feet larger in radius than your fire ring.

Step 2

Gather firewood. Place your largest piece of firewood to one side of where you want the fire to start, so that it is aligned with any prevailing wind.

Step 3

Make a lean-to of kindling against a log.

Make a lean-to of kindling against the large piece of firewood, using the smallest-diameter pieces first. Leave some airspace between the twigs. Add larger twigs and sticks.

Step 4

Place your starter material inside the upwind side of the twig lean-to. Fluff it up and get it under your kindling.

Step 5

Use your lighter or matches to ignite the starter material. If you do not have a lighter or matches, use a magnifying lens. You can improvise a magnifying lens by using a pair of glasses or a piece of broken glass. Wrap the broken glass in a folded piece of cardboard or paper, if available, to avoid cuts. Once your starter material spreads flame to your kindling, blow gently at the base of the fire until the larger material flames.

Resources

Wilderness Survival Tips: Firecraft

Article Written By Jane Smith

Jane Smith has provided educational support for more than 11 years, served people with multiple challenges for 26 years, rescued animals for five years, designed and repaired household items for 31 years and completed a three-year metalworking apprenticeship. Smith's book, "Giving Him the Blues," was published in 2008. Smith received a Bachelor of Science in education from Kent State University in 1995.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...