How to Build a Fire (without a match or a lighter)

You don't need matches or a lighter to spark a fire.

Cartoons and sitcoms have led us to believe that all it takes to start a fire in the wild is a quick rubbing of sticks together. The result is then a strong, lasting and vibrant flame. In real life though, the process takes a bit more concentration and effort. The two sticks method is indeed possible, but there are also easier ways you may not be aware of.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool, 6" x 1/2"
• 9-volt battery
• Magnifying lens

Instructions

Batteries and Steel Wool

1. Place your piece of steel wool on the ground away from anything that is flammable.

2. Rub the side of the battery against the steel wool. As the battery moves against the coarse, jagged surface of the wool, you will see a glow beginning.

3. Blow gently on the glowing area of the steel wool to spread and increase the start of a flame.

4. Move the steel wool to a pile of tinder made of items like grass, dry pine needles, bark or small twigs. The flame that you produce will not be strong enough to light a full-sized camp fire of thick wood pieces. Once these items produce a decent sized flame, you can move them to your kindling.

Using a Lens

1. Arrange a small pile of tinder material on the ground.

2. Take a lens crafted for magnification and hold it at an angle under the sun's light. Direct that light at a pile of tinder.

3. Maneuver the lens until the sunlight coming through it is focused into a small dot that is on top of the tinder. The smaller the dot, the more focused and hot the sunlight is, and the faster you will be able to produce a flame.

4. Hold the lens steady and your kindling will eventually smoke and catch fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave a fire unattended.

• Always extinguish your outdoor fires completely, using dirt or water.

References

• The Art of Manliness: 9 Ways To Start a Fire Without Matches
• Outdoors Eagle: Two Ways to Build a Fire (Without Matches or a Lighter)

Resources

• Practical Survivor: Tinder and Kindling
• Smokey Bear: Campfire Safety