Fire Starting for Survival

Fire is one of the most vital survival tools, providing warmth in cold environments to prevent hypothermia, and light to navigate in the dark. It allows for cooking food, making it safer and easier to digest, and enables water purification by boiling, eliminating harmful bacteria and parasites. Fire can also be used for protection, keeping predators and insects at bay. Additionally, it serves as a powerful signaling tool, with smoke and flames helping rescuers locate you in an emergency. Mastering fire-making skills is essential for survival in any situation. 

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When putting your go bag together regardless of it size, consider including at least two fire starting tools. One that is easy to use and one that will last for an extended period of time. Being able to start a fire is necessary for survival in the wilderness.

 

Tool-Based Fire Starting Methods:

 

 

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​Finding the Right Tinder 

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In the wilderness, having the right tinder can make all the difference when starting a fire.

Natural tinder includes:

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• dry leaves

• grass

• pine needles

• shredded bark from trees like cedar or birch

• Fine wood shavings

• feathers

• Seed pod fluff

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When the weather is damp it can be more difficult to start a fire. However, it can still be done using the following method:

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Using an axe split larger logs to expose the dry inner wood and shave it into fine kindling. Feather sticks—thin, curled shavings made with a knife—are particularly effective. By using naturally dry wood, you’ll have a much easier time getting your fire started.

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If larger logs are not available, you can also create kindling by cutting live branches from a tree and shaving off the damp bark to expose the drier wood on the inside. While more difficult than the above method you can start a fire using this wood.

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Additionally, you can carry a variety of items in your go bag that work well as kindling.

 

Items form Around the House

cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly

char cloth

dryer lint 

Shredded paper

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Commercial Products that are Perfect to store and carry​

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Choosing the right tinder ensures a quick and efficient fire, essential for warmth, cooking, and survival.

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