Start a Fire Articles & Videos

• How to Make a Primitive Fire With a Flint and Steel

  Native Americans, early settlers and mountain men all used flint and steel to start their fires. The flint can be any hard, quartz-based stone, including flint, quartzite or chert. The steel can be the back of a knife blade, a broken metal… read more

• How to Use the Flint Method to Start a Fire

  Whether you're camping in the winter or summer, knowing how to start a fire is important for cooking, warmth and safety--a campside fire may prevent accidents at night when visibility is low. When making an impromptu fire, rely only basic t… read more

• Survival Fire-Making Techniques

  Fire is, to most folks, a ridiculously easy thing to come by in the modern era. There are dozens of lighters on every gas station counter, bowls of matchbooks at every bar and endless boxes of "strike anywhere" wonders for sale at every gro… read more

• Ways to Start Things on Fire Without Using Matches

  Fire sustains us in the backcountry. It warms us, makes us feel secure and provides a life-sustaining heat. Fire also signals rescue teams as to the location of missing hikers or backcountry travelers. Fire making is something any backcount… read more

• How to Pack Fuel in a Waterproof Sack

  The well-prepared hiker and overnight camper plans for the trip and packs certain items so that things are not left to chance. Fire fuel, for example, in many instances can be found in an area where a fire will be built. Fuel is commonly co… read more

• How To Make a Fire with Flint and Steel

  Starting a fire in an emergency or survival situation is not only necessary to provide warmth and heat for cooking, a fire can also be an enormous psychological boost. The ability to start a fire can help provide you with a sense of being a… read more

• Three Ways to Light a Fire Without Matches

  In a survival situation, the ability to make a fire can allow you to stay warm, cook food and boil water. It can also give you a sense of control and provide an enormous psychological boost. Many people think first of starting a fire with a… read more

• How to Make a Fire Without Matches or a Lighter

  Along with food and water, fire is the lost hiker's essential ally. Fire provides warmth and comfort, and can make food edible and water potable. Smoke from a fire can serve as a signal to rescuers. Knowing how to make a survival fire can m… read more

• How to Start a Fire From Flint

  Every year, countless people enjoy the outdoors, from hiking to kayaking to hiking, cycling, boating and other recreational activities. However, many people venture into areas less traveled without the proper equipment to help them survive… read more

• How to Build a Fire Without Matches

  Matches and lighters are the most widespread and convenient ways to make a fire, but they are certainly not the only ones. Anything that creates enough heat near a fuel source in the presence of oxygen can potentially ignite it. As long as… read more

• How to Start a Fire With Flint & Steel

  Making fire using a flint and piece of steel is the most iconic method of making a fire, and it has been taught to Boy Scouts for decades. It's also an important survival skill for anyone interested in preparing themselves for the outdoors.… read more

• How to Start a Fire

  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… read more

• How to Start a Fire with a Cellphone

  Tim Smith, founder and director of the Jack Mountain Bushcraft School, says that one of the most important parts of a survival plan is to light a fire. If you find yourself in a survival situation, cell phones---while not the best choice---… read more

• How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet in a Fire

  Cast iron skillets are a classic of old-fashioned country cooking. They combine tradition with durability, and are a natural for rustic cabins and tailgate campers alike. However, being made out of iron, they are prone to rusting. "Seasonin… read more

• The Best Ways to Make Fire Without Matches

  The ability to control fire was revolutionary to the habits of early humans and is also very important to any camper, hiker, or outdoor aficionado. That's why it's important that something as simple as lost or wet matches should not ruin yo… read more

• Best Types of Wood for Fires

  The wood chosen for a fire can greatly affect the experience of those around it. Some wood will smoke or burn too fast, while others might be difficult to light or give off an unpleasant odor. Knowing the types of wood are best for a fire c… read more

• How to Start a Fire with a Magnifying Glass

  Whether you're in a trying survival situation or just camping in the woods, a fire is an integral element of being out in the wilderness overnight. No matter how well you prepare, you never know what could happen in the wilderness. Maybe yo… read more