Newsletter

Topic:  FIRE & FIRE STARTING

Fire is a remarkable thing.  It can kill you or save your life.  Fire can warm us, cook our food, light our way, purify our water, or signal for help.  Unfortunately, many people do not know the basics of fire starting or even where to find fuel sources. This month's newsletter will offer some helpful hints in the methods of fire starting.  

When traveling in wilderness areas, it pays to carry a dependable fire starting source with you.  All matches should be waterproofed and carried in a watertight container.   Disposable butane lighters are low cost and have proven to be very dependable.  

Magnesium firestarters are another alternative.  I personally carry two of these.  They will consistantly work time after time, in any weather condition, climate, or temperature.  

The figure to the left is a magnesium fire starter, and the photograph below is an example of a fire started with a magnesium firestarter, a knife, and a small pile of kindling sticks.

There are many lightweight, reliable, and long burning firestarters on the market. Most work very well and are reasonably priced. Even homemade varieties can be made to perform in any condition. Natural cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly will ignite easily and burn for several minutes.  Rubber cut from tire inner tubes cut to 2-inch squares and frayed on the edges will also ignite with ease, and will burn even in very damp or wet conditions.  Commercial chemical fire starters may be purchased at most hardware stores or even chain discount stores in the sporting goods or camping section. Many have match head type strikers built into them and to use you simply strike on the supplied striker board.  This is an example of a great long burning firestarter.  Fire starting paste comes in a tube similar to toothpaste.  To use, simply squeeze out a small amount and light.  However, this is not the best choice in cold weather since lower winter temperatures make squeezing the flammable paste rather difficult.

Many types of chemical fire starters can be made at home using basic tools and equipment, along with easily obtainable ingredients.  A 2x2 inch square of cardboard soaked in hot paraffin wax will burn long enough to start most any fire.  Simply bend the cardboard square in half and light a corner.  Cardboard rolls, 2" long, tied and soaked in hot paraffin wax will burn for a substantial length of time.  Even potato chips, such as Pringles® or Fritos®, burn well and are easily lit.  The big question would be, should you eat them or burn them!

The type of firestarter you choose may depend on how cold you are.  Even a short piece of nylon rope will give a dripping hot flame.  Another interesting, and obscure, material that has worked well for myself, is the Volkswagen® engine block material.  VW Beetle engines are made from magnesium.  Break off a piece and shave scrapings into a pile.  Then, simply spark the shavings and watch them burn.

Regardless of the type, firestarters or ignition sources chosen, a clear understanding of fire and fire starting methods must be learned and practiced.  When traveling in wilderness areas, a keen awareness of the surroundings and its available resources must be a priority.  One must always be aware of any material, natural or otherwise, that can be utilized.  The bark of the birch tree is only one of the many excellent fire starters in nature.  Loose birch bark may be peeled off the tree and carried on a person in a baggie or even in a pocket.  Birch bark ignites easily and burns ferociously.  This remarkable material produces heavy black smoke while burning that appears to have a repellant effect on mosquitoes.  As an added benefit, the odor is surprisingly pleasant.  If you happen to be in an area that has birch trees available, try peeling some bark and carrying it with you!

These are just a few tips and tricks for creating a fire.  Each are simple and can easily save your life in a survival situation.  Check back monthly for other newsletter issues packed with interesting facts and tips!