How to Build a Fire

 "Know how to build a fire before you have to build a fire"

    Fire is one of our most useful tools. Knowing and practicing how to build a fire, with or without matches, is a useful and essential skill to master.

    When lost and alone in the wilderness, maintaining your health is essential to your survival. You must make sure that you're well hydrated and that you keep warm and dry. Use your fire for warmth, to keep animals at a distance, and as a signal to mark your spot for rescuers. A fire when you're lost can be a great comfort and moral booster.

    I have read of one outdoors man who, when lost in the wilderness, would first build a small fire. His reasoning was that while involved in the act of building a fire he would remain calm, it would help keep him focused, and he could calmly assess his situation and create a plan of action through calm reasoning rather than panicked, knee-jerk reaction.

 

 Considering Where to Build a FIre

   Always be aware of your surroundings and take them into consideration. Don't build fire on wet ground, on wet rocks, under overhanging branches, or where surrounding material could ignite. In a natural disaster be alert to the possibility of leaky gas mains before risking even a spark.

    If the ground is wet or snow covered build your fire atop other logs. A small breeze may be beneficial to the process to keep the fire going, but protect the tinder from the breeze until the tinder catches fire.  Make sure the site of your fire pit is sheltered in windy weather with rocks, logs, or natural wind breaks. If you have already found or built shelter, then plan the place where you build your fire in relation to your shelter.

Fire Starting Materials

    Tinder, kindling, and firewood should all be gathered before you begin to build a fire. Naturally all of your fire starting materials should be as dry as possible especially when forced to work without matches or a lighter. An effective fire starting method is to place your tinder beside a stick or rock that is three to six inches in height.  As you gently nurse the flaming tinder slowly add fine kindling by allowing it to lean against the rock or stick over the kindling. Build your fire by gradually adding thicker pieces of kindling and slowly graduate to firewood.

Your goal is to build a small fire at first. It is easier for the tinder to catch kindling aflame if it is made into small bits and pieces.  Whittle fine shavings from a piece of dry dead wood or leave the shavings attached to the stick on one end to make a fuzz stick. A fuzz stick is easy to make and burns hot. A big help in building a roaring fire.

Practice your Fire Starting Survival Skills

Don't assume that reading and memorizing these general fire starting tips alone is enough to see you through a tight situation requiring fire for your survival. Practice building fire to fine tune your personal techniques and give you the confidence of knowing that you have the ability to build a warm, crackling fire whenever the need arises.

Especially when you practice building fire without matches you will appreciate the fact that it can be done, but how much simplier and easier it is to plan ahead to have matches or fire starting aids available if possible.

More free useful fire starting tips and techniques are being added at The Survivor's Outpost. Pay a visit to pick up emergency survival advice, or leave a post of your own tips and techniques to share with others.