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Step 1
Clear a safe space in an open area so you can move around the fire. Scrape away leaves and debris to bare ground. Clear a circular area approximately 3-feet across. To contain the fire, gather rocks and form a ring around the perimeter of the fire area.
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Step 2
Use tinder for the base of the fire. This is fine, dry, easily combustible material such as shredded paper, cotton fuzz from clothing or the paper-thin bark of a tree, such as an Aspen or birch.
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Step 3
Gather kindling and enough fuel to keep the fire going. Use small dead twigs broken off from the lower branches of trees as kindling. For fuel, use larger twigs and branches to feed the fire and keep it going after it lights. Make sure all materials are dry and cut to no more than 18-inches long before you light the match. Keep fuel and kindling within easy reach.
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Step 4
Place the tinder on the ground in the center of the fire ring. Kneel down close and block any breeze with your body while preparing to light the match.
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Step 5
Strike the match on a rough surface, such as one of the rocks in your fire ring or on the striking surface of the matchbox. Cup your hands around the lighted match and carefully touch it to the tinder. As soon as the tinder catches fire, add the small kindling a little at a time to build up the flame.
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Step 6
Add fuel to the fire as it grows. Start with smaller sticks and gradually add larger pieces as the fire builds. Build a tepee over the kindling with sticks leaning against each other on all sides of the fire. Continue adding larger pieces until you have a good blaze going.
