Fire Starting Methods

In this section we discover some of the various ways to start a fire in the wilderness, or anywhere for that matter and some of the items that we can use to help us create the initial spark.

Creating a spark

Flint and Steel

Strike a flint or other hard, sharp-edged rock against a piece of carbon steel or granite.

Fire Piston

Fire Pistons are made from a small hand held cylinder or tube around 3 to 6 inches (7.5 cm to 15 cm) long with one sealed end, and a solid plunger that fits inside it with a near airtight fit that has a small recess in the end that you put a small amout of easily combustable tinder.

The plunger is pushed into the cylinder building up the pressure and heating up the inside end of the tube, igniting the tinder that has been placed there.

When the piston is quickly rammed into the cylinder it causes the interior temperature to rise sharply to 260°C (500°F)

The plunger is pulled out and the embers in the end of the plunger are then tipped gently onto more tinder and then added to your kindling.

Fire pistons have been used in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands as a means of kindling fire since prehistory.

Ancient and modern versions of fire pistons have been made from wood, animal horns, antlers, bamboo, or lead. Other metals have also been used in modern versions.

Metal match/ Magnesium stick

Drawing a knife along the length of the metal match or magnesium stick towards your tinder will create sparks to ignite it. Magnesium is usually used for these but also Ferrocerium is very good.

There are several excellent products available ranging from a basic magnesium rod with a small scraper attached to the more capable models that can be used with one hand like the Blast Match.

Fire Plough

The fire plough consists of a rod and base board, and creates heat by friction...

a) Rod
The rod is made from stone, bone or hardwood, and is held in both hands and pushed energetically backwards and forwards along a groove cut into the base board.

b) Base board
Is made from dry seasoned softwood, dust is created where the rod and baseboard meet, the heat from the friction caused ignites the dust. It is worth making sure that the area where the embers will form has enough air flow to it. The more the better so it is worth spending some time carving your base board to maximise air flow to that area.

Have something at the end of the groove like a dry leaf to catch embers and place them in the protection of a fine dry tinder bundle.

Bow and Drill

This ancient tool consists of a base-board, spindle, a bow, and sometimes a hand held bearing block, it creates heat through friction.

a) Spindle
This is a straight shaft that can be made from both dry seasoned softwood and hardwood, One end of the spindle fits lightly into a bearing block by way of a carved socket, allowing movement. The other end of the spindle is carved into a blunt point and sits in a cone shaped depression carved a little in from the edge of the base, allowing movement by keeping space between the sides.

c) Bearing Block
The bearing block that nestles into the palm can be made of material that is tough but that can be carve and smoothed. Its purpose is to bear your weight as you apply pressure to the spindle.

d) Bow
The friction is caused by twisting the spindle with the use of a bow. The bow is made from a sturdy greenwood branch bent into a firm bow by attaching taught cordage to either end. The cordage is wrapped around the spindle once, so that it sits on the outside of the bow. This is held in the other hand, and energetically pulled backwards and forwards allowing the cord to spin the spindle.

e) Drill/spindle
This is made from dry seasoned softwood, as well as tough stalks from some plants, avoid resinous woods [spindles]. It is energetically rolled backwards and forwards with the palms of your hands in a downward motion. One end of the spindle is carved into a blunt point and sits in a cone shaped depression carved into the baseboard. Cordage thumb loops can be bound to the top of the drill shaft to help the spinning process. These add some extra downward pressure to increase friction.

Convex Lens

Light passing through a curved lens is magnified and concentrated.

1. Optical lens
   By directing sunlight through magnifying glasses or lenses from optical kit, i.e. binoculars and cameras, onto awaiting tinder, the concentrated light/ heat causes it to ignite.
2. Water
   Another convex lens can be created by filling a transparent plastic bag with water and tying it up. Light is directed through it and magnified.
3. Ice
   A convex or spherical lens can be carved from ice. The ice needs to be clear and polished. Light is directed through it and magnified.

Matches and Lighter

There are waterproof matches and various grades of lighters right up to storm proof. You can waterproof your own (non safety) matches by melting some candle wax and dipping the match tip into it then letting it set put them into a water tight container.

Solar reflector

Made from reflective material, a concave disc focuses and concentrates sunlight to a focal point at the end of a spire that juts out from the centre of the dish where tinder can be attached.