Can You Start a Fire by Using Pine Needles?
When you are hiking or camping, a fire for warmth or cooking is a necessity and the tools to start a fire are readily available if you know what to look for. Fortunately nature provides the best tinder in the form of pine needles. Pine needles can be found on almost any forest floor.
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What Makes Pine Needles Flammable?
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Pine needles contain templin oil, which is similar to turpentine and is flammable.
Natural Tinder
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When starting a campfire, dried pine needles are natural tinder. Because of their size and the oil content, they are able to catch fire quickly and help larger fuel start burning.
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How to Start a Fire Using Pine Needles
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Gather dried pine needles and place them on the ground in a loose pile and light with a match. Once the pine needles are ignited you will then need to pile small branches over the pine needles until the flames catch. Bigger logs can be added once the kindling is fully ignited.
Benefits
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When you use pine needles as tinder to start a fire you are using a natural resource and do not have to pack and carry heavy briquettes or paper.
Cautions
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Pine needles can cause sparks when lit and will leave large amounts of debris and ash after they burn. Before starting any fire be sure to establish a safe fire circle - free from any debris that may allow fire to spread to the surrounding area. Always make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of steve lodefink
