How to Start a Fire

What You Will Need

· Small Sticks

· Dry Grass/Leaves

· Lighter/Matches (Optional)

· Knife (Optional)

· Logs

· Water

· Large Rocks/Fire pit (Optional)

· Axe (Optional)

· Shovel (Optional)

· Protective Gloves/ Glasses

Precautions

WARNING: Building a fire is dangerous and should be done with caution. Kids under the age of 15 should not handle fire, it is not a game and it is never okay to play with fire. Never burn plastic in a fire because harmful chemicals will be released in the air. Do not throw fireworks of any sort in a fire because it can hurt people, and damage property. Keep children and pets away from the fire, and never leave the fire unattended.

Before You Start

· Tie up any long hair

· Wear protective gear (glasses, gloves, and shoes)

· Keep a bucket of water nearby

· Keep extremely flammable items away

· Have a first aid kit handy just in case

· Find an open area away from fences, sheds, and trees to build a fire

· Make sure there are no cables or telephone wires above the selected area

Dig up any grass with the shovel so the circle is mainly dirt. The circle size depends on how big the desired fire is. For a large fire, clear a larger space and gather more logs, sticks, and dry grass/leaves. For a small fire, clear a smaller space and gather less supplies.

This helps to contain the fire, as well as keeping it insulated within the wall of rocks.

EXCEPTION: IF A MANMADE FIRE PIT IS AVAILABLE, USE THAT.

The twigs and sticks are the kindling for the fire. This is the base for the fire and will catch a flame after the tinder gets a spark.

The dry grass and leaves act as tinder for the fire. Tinder is the first thing that catches a spark when lit. The tinder then transfers the spark to the kindling and starts a flame.

Gradually add more kindling to the fire and blow on it to create more heat.

EXCEPTION: IF A LIGHTER OR MATCHES AREN’T AVAILABLE USE A KNIFE OR OTHER SHARP TOOL TO CUT A “V” IN A FLAT PIECE OF WOOD. PLACE BITS OF BARK IN THE V-SHAPED NOTCH TO CATCH AN EMBER. FIND A ROUND STICK, PLACE IT IN THE NOTCH, AND USING YOUR FLAT PALMS SPIN THE STICK BACK AND FORTH IN THE NOTCH WHILE GENTLY PUSHING DOWN ON THE WOODEN PLANK. WHEN THE PLANK BEGINS TO SPARK, TRANSFER IT TO THE TINDER PILE AND BLOW ON IT TO CREATE A FIRE.

For this example, we will build a square of logs stacked about two logs high. In the middle of the square, construct a teepee shape with other logs. This arrangement allows a lot of airflow through the structure. It is important that oxygen can get through because it is needed to keep the fire going.

EXCEPTION: USE AXE TO CHOP UP LOGS IF NEEDED.

When putting out the fire, throw some water on it to fully extinguish any hot embers that could possibly start another flame.