Eleven Ways to Make Fire

Ways To Make Fire

No matter what technique you are using to make a fire, always prepare the base first. If the ground is the slightest bit damp find something bone dry to begin building on. A large rock, several dry branches laid close together, or a combination of these can make a good base. It doesn't have to be a large area initially . As the fire increases in heat, the surrounding ground will dry. A base of 6 inches in diameter is enough.





1.Matches

Some people will use book matches to save weight and space. Others will melt wax from a candle to coat wooden matches. This makes them water proof and a little harder to light. A good strike will get them going. Carry them in a small Ziploc baggie to keep them dry.





2.Cigarette Lighter

Check the fluid level and function before heading outdoors. Even if the fluid is gone, in a survival situation the spark provided by the action can ignite a fire starter. See number 10 below.





3.Flint and steel

My flint also has the magnesium which can be shaved with the blade making a high heat combustion. Be patient with this method. The spark has to hit the tinder and catch. Too much wind will kill it. See my video on http://www.youtube.com/user/brawny03 for a demonstration.



4.Survival match

Similar to the flint, only smaller.



5.Battery and Steel Wool

Use a 9 volt battery and fine (not course) 000 grade steel wool. The steel wool catches fire when it touches both terminals of the small battery, then burns readily. Have your tinder ready to go because this happens quickly.



6.Flash Light Filament

I saw this on Man, Woman, Wild. Take apart the flashlight and break the bulb gently, preserving the filament. Replace the batteries in canister, allowing the filament to be exposed. Fill light flammable material on top filament where it will catch fire.



7. Magnifying Lenses or glass

This requires a steady hand and strong sunlight. Focus beam of light on very dry, fine tinder or mouse nest. When it starts to smoke, you're close, keep at it until a flame is visible.



8. Bow and Drill

This requires a dry base into which a bow is placed. Make the bow with a green branch and cordage. Spin one end of the bow into the dry base by means of a rod placed in the cordage. A hand placed on top the drill causes the friction to be stronger and more effective. A very time consuming and difficult to master.

Check out http://www.primitivefire.com/ for videos. They sell kits, but by watching the videos, you can see the method, then make your own.

http://www.wildernesscollege.com/bow-and-drill.html
is another site which deal with how to make your own bow and drill.



9. Friction Log

Similar to the bow and drill, one dry stick it rubbed with great downward pressure on another dry base until smoke and small ember is produced. A gentle blowing on the ember will help it ignite. Another skill which takes patience and endurance. This is greatly aided by bone dry materials.



10. Spark, Cotton and Grease

Vaseline and cotton are easy to bring in an emergency kit. All you need is a spark to ignite them. A spark can be created by triggering an empty cigarette lighter.


11. The Fire bundle could qualify as another method. Fire is so useful and difficult to make in survival situations that preserving the coal becomes very important. Place a good size live coal in a small log which has a natural depression. Blow on it a bit just to be sure its still burning, wrap to carry it with green leaves, and cordage.