The Art of Fire
Fire provides warmth, water purification, signaling, and morale. It is the most critical survival skill.
Fire Triangle
To create fire, three elements are needed: Fuel, Oxygen, and Heat. Remove one, and the fire goes out.
Tinder
Material that catches a spark. Dry grass, birch bark, cattail fluff, charred cotton. Must be perfectly dry.
Kindling
Small sticks, pencil thickness. Used to transfer fire from tinder to the main fuel.
Main Fuel
Thick branches and logs. Hardwood (oak, beech) burns long and hot. Softwood (pine, spruce) burns fast and sparks but is easier to light.
Ignition Methods
Ferrocerium (Fire Steel)
Reliable, works even when wet. Slowly scrape magnesium (if present) onto tinder, then strike sparks vigorously.
Bow Drill
Friction method. Requires dry wood, a bow, spindle, and bearing block. Very difficult in damp conditions, requires practice.