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How to start a fire
How to start a fire if you are lost in the wilderness is a basic wilderness survival skill. Practice and learn different survival fire starting methods so you can start a fire anywhere under any conditions.
There are many different fire-starting technigues but they all fall into two categories: modern methods and primitive methods.
Fire starting methods
Modern starting methods as matches,
artificial flint striker,
butane lighter or convex lens are items we normally think of to start a fire.
Primitive fire starting methods as flint & steel, fire plow and bow & drill are exhaustive and require a lot of practice to ensure success.
Start your fire
Make sure you have gather together all the materials (1) you need before lighting the fire. Always light your campfire from the upwind side, shield your fire area with your body or make a windshield with your jacket or other gear before lighting your fire. Always carry waterproof matches with you in the wilderness.
Matches are one of your most valuable physical assets in the wilderness. Every match you have is like gold. Do not waste them. One match for one fire ! If you prepare and plan carefully your campfire will ignite quickly and safely. A good idea to save matches is to light a candle.
Light the tinder in multiple places (2). Add slowly more tinder (3), then kindling (4), and build your fire up gradually.
Remember!
Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving camp. Check it at least twice.
Fire starting tips
Want to see some
fire starting tips from readers?

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