-
Step 1
Inspect the insides of larger logs. Quite frequently the wood inside is still dry and can be chipped off to provide dry tender or kindling. Small pieces of wood will burn quicker than larger ones. Place larger pieces that you intend to use close to the fire once you get it started so they will dry out from the heat of the fire.
-
Step 2
Find pine trees with sapwood or fatwood running through them. It is oily and will burn, whether the wood is wet or dry. Birchwood bark is another good choice.
-
Step 3
Look for twigs close to the trunk and low to the base. They will be the driest. The wood for the fire doesn't have to come from a tree. Look for bushes and shrubs with small, dry branches as well. Again, look close to the ground and close to the main trunk.
-
Step 4
Keep a supply of kindling handy to go on the fire when you get it started. It will burn quickly, and you'll want enough on hand to keep the fire going.
-
Step 5
Refrain from using wood that is touching the ground or that is rotten. It will be too wet to use.
-
Step 6
Place a layer of insulation between the damp soil and the wood to keep the moisture out. Something man-made such as a piece of cardboard or paper will do until the fire gets going. A tight layer of dry branches will work as well.
Comments
Blackbear said
on 11/8/2007 And for those of you who says "Just go get the gasoline!" If you must....instead, grab one of your wife's candle sticks. Let it melt down the side of one of the logs and drip into the tiny little fire kindlings you have started and the fire will catch! In fact, it will eventually burn white-hot. You probably don't want to cook with this but you really don't want to cook with gasoline either.