Make Your Own Natural Fire Starters
When it comes to your survival, fire is not just a source of warmth; it’s a lifeline. Whether facing the aftermath of a natural disaster or finding yourself in a remote wilderness setting, the ability to start a fire can make the difference between life and death. While many Preppers rely on traditional fire-starting methods, such as matches or lighters, exploring unconventional alternatives is essential. Simple homemade options are relatively cheap and easy to do using wax or petroleum jelly, saw dust, cotton balls or even dryer lint.
One of the best methods is to take some cotton balls and dip them in melted candle wax. These will give you a fire starter that burns nice and slow while also making them waterproof. The other wax option is to take saw dust and work it into wax such as beeswax. The last method is taking cotton balls (or dryer lint) , sticking them in a zip lock bag and mix it with petroleum jelly until it is all nice and mixed together. You can use old pill bottles to store these and then take out a glob whenever you need it.
But what happens when you find yourself in a situation where you are not prepared? These are some good options you can be on the lookout for in your local environment.
Natural Fire Starters:
Nature provides much to those who know where to look. Here is a list of what you can use around you to get a fire going.
Birch Bark/Cedar Bark
Birch bark is a natural tinder widely available in many wilderness areas. Its flammable oils make it an excellent fire starter and can be easily peeled off trees in thin sheets. Collect a handful of birch bark and ignite it with sparks from a fire starter or ferrocerium rod for a quick and efficient flame.
Cattail Fluff
Cattail plants are a survivalist’s treasure trove. The young shoots are edible, and the fluffy material found in the mature seed heads makes for fantastic tinder. Collect a generous amount of cattail fluff, fluff it between your hands, and use it to catch a spark or ember. Its light and airy nature makes it highly combustible, making it an ideal fire starter.
Pine Resin
Pine trees produce resin, a sticky substance that can be harvested and used as an effective fire starter. Collect small amounts of resin and place them on your kindling. When ignited, pine resin burns hot for an extended period, giving you ample time to build a sustainable fire.
Adaptability is the key to a successful fire starting in the wild. Next time you’re out in the woods why not try testing out these methods for yourself. Not only will you learn how it works, but it will also help you identify what is around you so you don’t even have to think about it. Making natural fire starters is a cool thing to learn and if you know where to look you will never run out and it will save you money!
If you’d like to gain even more knowledge about surviving in the woods, there are a wide variety of books that can help you on your way to becoming a Survivalist.
