Fire Making - You've Got to Know How To Do This!

Always, always have three ways to make fire. This is your most important survival skill and equipment. Start with small roll-type cigarette or pipe lighters. Get the good ones that can be refilled, with an adjustable flame height. Don't count on the cheap throw-aways. I have found this out the hard way. Second, have good waterproof kitchen/camping type matches, kept in an air and watertight container of your choice.  Third, have a magnesium bar and striker type fire starter. I always carry recycled vitamin bottles stuffed full of pre-made, very flammable fire starting tinder , stuffing as much as I can in the bottles. This is the secret to fire starting even in difficult situations, which is when you will need it the most.

This is just a brief overview on how to make a fire. If you live in this area, (Yelm & Rainier Washington) take my upcoming survival and preparedness classes. One whole day is on fire making. It's that important! 

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 Abigail Haddock responds:

 

Oh, I hear strains of Kumbaya in my head and see visions of all the Girl Scout camping trips I went on as a youngster! 

 

Simple answer ...get a magnesium fire starter and always have a jackknife handy.  Learn to find tinder

(dried grass, pine needles, tree fibers etc.), scrape off some magnesium, create a spark with the flint side of the

magnesium starter by striking your jackknife against it and gently blow on the tinder till you have smoke, and then a flame.

 

In an emergency, under stress, or in the pouring rain, you are not going to rub sticks together to make an ember and ultimately create a fire.  Only in good conditions are you going to have the fortitude to accomplish that task.  I know how to do it.  It is impressive but it takes time and energy better spent elsewhere, in my humble opinion.  I am glad I have the skill locked away in my neuronet, but give me something simple when I am hungry, wet and tired, to start my fire any day. Yes, I do have a magnesium fire starter and jackknife in my briefcase.  Just ask Louise!!