The making of a fire is usually the first order of business after finding good ground in a survival situation. Not only does the fire provide food, warmth, and light-- essential elements for successful survival, but a fire also provides a sense of comfort and security which is essential to our psychological well-being. Fire gives us hope.
When children are with us, it is perfectly possible to teach them these simple methods of fire starting and fire safety. However, we need to be cautious and keep a watchful eye on them when they are near the fire, as children are forgetful and may come too close or need reminding.
This list of uses of fire was compiled by Storm of stoneageskills.com.
Heat/Flame
straighten spindles and shafts
warmth
forcing animals into a preferred direction (hunting)
modifying vegetation landscape (farming, coppicing)
rendering food palatable/digestible
coalburning containers
water purification
cauterizing wounds
removing seed chaff
modifying wood, stone and bone for use as tools/handles
soften materials to bend and to make easier to modify with tools
scarification tattoos
hardening the points wooden tools/weapons
melting hardened substances for use
Dry out your clothes after falling into the water
Smoke
communication at distance
waterproofing tanned hides
food preservation
a carrier for inhalant medicines
repel insects
food preserver
Ash/Char/Soot
charcoal for easier future firebuilding
mineral paint
medicine
salt
toothpaste
slipping hair from hides
deodorizer
Light
seeing in the dark
communication at distance
keeping animals out of camp
psychological security
HOW TO LIGHT A FIRE:
HEAT is how we start fires. All methods of fire-starting, even primitive ones, require heat. The heat + the oxygen in the environment is enough to ignite a fire.
FUEL is what we add to the fire so that it burns.
OXYGEN is what is needed for combustion to occur. When we remove oxygen the fire must die out.
Using this concept, just keep in mind that if you remove any of these elements, the fire will go out. A proper ratio is the key to a good fire, and the only way to get used to making a good fire is to practice, practice, practice until you have built this skill.
There is another fire triangle that is equally important, and we can call this the primitive fire triangle.
The three points are:
POWER
SKILL
MATERIALS.
When we are making a fire, we must balance these three elements, and so a good survival situation includes all three in a balanced manner. But if one of these is depleted, then we must increase the other two.
For example-- if we are not feeling strong and healthy but we must make a fire, a good amount of skill and some good materials will make fire starting possible, despite our lack of energy.
To make a fire, gather your materials after selecting your ground.
Ensure that you have selected safe ground that is not near any low hanging trees or branches and far enough from your sleeping area. ideally, place rocks around your fire site. Consider your reasons for making a fire. If you need to stay secure from an enemy, you may want to consider NOT making a fire or using a smokeless scout fire. Also make sure the area is protected from the wind.
IGNITION.
Using this diagram from the SAS Special Forces handbook, you can see some examples of means to start a fire.
You will then want to construct a fire wall if time allows. This is simply a wall made of rocks or brush that will protect from the wind, either straight up and down or L-shaped. As stated earlier, you may want to dig a hole to construct a scout fire if security is a problem.
NOTE: do not use porous or wet rocks as they will explode when heated.
The simplest method is to shape the wood into the form of a cone or teepee. Place the material for starting your fire in the center, and then ignite it.
Modern methods for lighting a fire include using a lighter or matches, which you should keep in your Bushcraft kit.
You can also use a convex lens on a sunny day. You can also use other items designed for starting fires.
Primitive methods for lighting a fire include using a flint and steel or friction from a bow and drill or fireplow.
FANNING.
Commonly, we think about people blowing on a fire to keep it going. And that works! But if you are tired or injured, the last thing you want is to use all your energy blowing on the fire. Instead, try making a fan. A fan made from a branch is faster and more effective, and requires less energy. Eastern or Atlantic White Cedar tree branches make excellent fans if you are in North Carolina.
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FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Using a campfire
Select a site downwind and away from buildings, grass or trees
Make a clearing 10 feet around the fire area
Place rocks around a campfire
Don't use gasoline; insead, ignite the fire with kindling or fire starter
Wear tight-fitting wool or cotton clothing while working near a campfire
Extinguish a campfire completely when retiring at night or leaving the area
Keep a pail of water or sand nearby
Other precautions while camping
Use a tent that is flame resistant
Use only battery-operated lights inside
Place your tent upwind and away from cooking area or campfire
Fill a stove or lantern before use. Wipe away spills and allow to air dry before lighting
Wait for a stove or lantern to completely cool before refilling
My husband is a firefighter, so fire safety is no joke to us. One mistake from you can cost my husband his life, and my kids their father. Please remember to take special precautions when lighting and using fire.
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