Make Fire

Start and maintain a fire in wilderness conditions using available natural and carried materials.

When to Use

• You need warmth, light, or a signal in a wilderness setting
• You need to boil water for purification (see purify-water)
• You need to cook foraged or hunted food (see forage-plants)
• Emergency survival situation requiring heat or morale

Inputs

• Required: Ignition source (ferro rod, flint & steel, lighter, bow drill kit, or magnifying lens)
• Required: Dry tinder material (natural or carried)
• Optional: Fire location constraints (wind direction, ground type, overhead cover)
• Optional: Purpose of fire (warmth, cooking, signaling, water purification)

Procedure