-Howto Fire-

[n8swag]

....How do you/what are your techniques for fire starting? What configurations do you use?

 

[sticker59]

3x fire prep and good tinder. if its wet or the ground is covered in snow then I use a good base also.

 

[n8swag]

3x fire prep and good tinder. if its wet or the ground is covered in snow then I use a good base also.

Have you ever tried duck tape as tinder?

 

[sticker59]

nope haven't tried that. I usually have some tinder in my pack. Some cotton balls with Vaseline on them in a chew can. they catch and burn well. I like to use natural tinder when I can. Ceder bark is really good, catches a spark really well if ya prep it right

 

[n8swag]

nope haven't tried that. I usually have some tinder in my pack. Some cotton balls with Vaseline on them in a chew can. they catch and burn well. I like to use natural tinder when I can. Ceder bark is really good, catches a spark really well if ya prep it right

I'll have to try that! I know cotton balls work great... Steel wool worked good in the right conditions. Duck tape is kind of my last resort if I have a lighter. If you wrap if around itself it burns for a while.

 

[LG&M]

The key is in the prep. Good dry tinder and more then you need. Then very small ( like a 1/16") twigs that snap when you break them , Then a little bigger ( 1/8"). Work your way up from their( 3/16")
Also practice in a controlled environment.

 

[Grease]

Have you ever tried duck tape as tinder?

Smelliest quality tinder you can get

 

[RescueRiley]

for me it's prep.. prep... prep...
first I lay a base of sticks to light my fire upon.

than comes the prep I a good ball of tinder, I carry the Vaseline cotton balls, but use them as emergency tinder as I prefer natural found tinder. such as fine shavings, birch bark or plant dander.
than I gather 2 handfulls of twigs up to match stick thickness, than 2 handfulls up to pencil thickness, than 2 of finger thickness, followed by thumb, and wrist thickness...

than once I get the tinder to ignite, I feed it carefully, until its strong enough to leave alone for a bit
the prep takes a while, but since I started doing it like this, I;ve never failed regardless of conditions.

 

[River-8]

for me it's prep.. prep... prep...

Hear hear; its all about the prep!

The "Base & Brace" technique works for me, the base provides a surface on which to build the fire, and the brace holds this kindling up to ensure airflow.
One example.

For SAR it has the added feature of being able to pick up and carry the initial fire; prepped away from a patient, then moved into position when the chaos and drama have subsided...

Lots of ways - practice and prep are the keys...!

Cheers,
8

 

[Preacher Man]

Another vote for Base & Brace. And yes, preparations is everything.