How to Build a Fire: The Ultimate Guide

Building a fire is something that most people say they sort of know how to do, but they actually have no idea where to start. There is a primitive link between fire and man. This is exactly why I believe every man should know at least three distinct ways of building a fire without matches or lighters. If you want to prove your manliness to the ladies, go on a 5-day hike through the mountains or fight wolves in the Siberian wilderness, this is a skill that you absolutely need to learn. You never know when you might end up in an emergency situation, where the protection of a warm campfire is the only thing keeping you alive, so I have compiled a master-list of ways to build a fire, whenever and wherever you may find yourself. Note: It’s always a good idea to have some sort of fire-starting gear with you. If you don’t, you will find several alternative (but more complicated) solutions at the end of the article. What You’ll Need to Build a Fire: When you were younger, your parents probably told you that you should never play with fire. Even if you’re lost in the vast emptiness of the forest, with nothing but a knife, there are several precautionary methods that you need to take before making a fire, to make sure that you don’t accidentally cause a natural disaster. Here is a list of things that you need to start a fire and, also, to keep it under control: Water: I don’t want to play Captain-Obvious here, but you should never, EVER, start a fire if you don’t have some water around to put it out once you’re done. You are the only person who can prevent a wildfire. A safe place for the fire: The first order of business is building a safe place for your fire. If you’re trying to light one indoors, you should go for a fireplace with a good grate. If you’re building it outdoors, you will need to make a fire-pit with rocks and dirt, away from bushes, grass and trees. Dry matches: It is possible to start fires with wet matches and other types of fire starters, but dry matches are the most convenient method. Logs: Will make your fire last for hours and hours. Gather dry logs that are a few inches in diameter. Logs can be cut into smaller kindling pieces. Kindling: Is wood that is slightly smaller than logs. In terms of size, it’s usually less than an inch in diameter (volume ratio: 1/8 inches to ½ inches in diameter). Kindling burns easily and will help you get your fire going at the beginning by transforming into a coal bed underneath your logs. Sources of kindling: fuzz sticks, dry twigs, small wood pieces, cutout pieces of wood etc. Tinder: Is the most important type of wood that you will be using to build your fire. Gather as many dry, small twigs as possible. Make sure they’re not green or wet. You can mix tinder with some scraps of paper. Other sources of tinder: dry plants, dry grass, birch bark, carcloth, dry leaves, fire sticks & starters, lint, pine pitch, dry needles. If you’re wondering why lighter fluid didn’t make the list, I will tell you that it is usually frowned up. Quite frankly, it is dangerous and it will leave you with some very bizarre tasting marshmallows. Worst-case scenario, lighter fluid will help you successfully burn down the entire forest.