How to Light a Fire Without Matches

Start a fire without matches! Simple procedure that works even when damp.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Magnesium Fire Starter
• Knife or piece of steel

1. 
   Magnesium Fire Starter

   Purchase a magnesium fire starter. You can get them at any sporting goods store for around $7.00. I have read that they are good for up to 12,000 fires so it ends up being a pretty cheap way to get a fire going.

2. 
   Great example of a tinder bundle

   Gather your wood and tinder. Create a tinder bundle by gathering material into a "ball". This material can be just about anything that is dry. Look for birch bark, cattail "fluff", feathers, dry leaves, etc. If it looks like it will burn, chances are it will.

3. 
   Shavings

   Scrape off a pile of magnesium shavings with your knife. Should be about the size of a dime. Try and pile the shavings into your tender bundle.

4. 
   Making a spark

   Use the back of your knife, or your piece of steel, and run it along the iron side of the magnesium fire starter. This will create a spark. Your goal is to get a spark to land on your pile of shavings. This takes some practice!

5. 
   Just starting to catch...

   Once your shavings have caught fire, try and cradle your tinder bundle around the flame. Do not squeeze too tight or you could suffocate your flame. Blow slightly onto the flame to get it really going. Your bundle will eventually catch.

6. 
   Fire teepee

   Once your bundle is burning, stick it underneath your kindling teepee. (see my fire-building article for more complete instructions). Your kindling will catch and you will be able to start throwing on bigger logs.

Tips & Warnings

• Try and find dry tinder and dry wood. It will make your life a lot easier.
• Practice, practice, practice.....practice. You do not want to rely on this method when you are in the rain if you have never done it before.
• Be patient. It may take a while for your tinder to catch.
• Be careful.
• Don't burn yourself while holding your tinder bundle.
• Don't cut yourself with your knife while you are trying for a spark.

[mikes197131]

on 10/7/2009 Very good article great tips 5*

[soanyway]

on 5/23/2009 I have never heard of this! What a great article. Great instructions and Pictures!!!! I have recomn'd you. Pay it forward all over this site! ;-)