How to start a fire

A couple years ago, on the eve of the longest and most treacherous hiking trip I have ever attempted (and also the first), I came to the realization that I could not start a fire. I had a stack of dry newspaper, a bundle of dry pine firewood, plenty of kindling, matches, and even a gas lighter. It was going to be the simplest easiest fastest campfire ever. But it never happened. Match after match, the promising flames that bloomed from my endless reams of newspaper would fizzle out into delicate ashes of smoking memory. With every failure my hope dwindled, and I desperately added more kindling and wood. None of the kindling took, and the pine was never so much as scorched. That night, we went to sleep with the sunset.

The next morning, as we were shuttled to the trailhead in a van full of seasoned hiking survivors, my hope was restored as every passenger gave me detailed instructions on how to get a fire going. Everyone had a different way of doing it. But the message was all basically the same. Armed with their wisdom and a new understanding about the nature and needs of fire, I set out into the wilderness.

There are two things you need to understand about a fire before getting one started. It cannot be rushed. And it needs a good place to grow from. That means that you need to approach the job with patience and a good foundation. You also need faith that the fire will catch. No faith in the fire leads to desperation and smothering.

Almost every fire I have started with a single match began with the Lincoln Log method. You start with a piece of newspaper bunched up, or any other quick catching material (lint, wood shavings, dry pine needles, etc.) Surrounding this nugget of volatile stuff you build a little hut in the Lincoln Log style with thin twigs. Above the mini hut, you arrange a couple of larger in diameter twigs and branches that will catch the flames from the hut. Fire moves up, so put the stuff you want to burn next on top. Not too many logs at once; add branches at the pace the young flames consume them. Once the fire takes, trust your intuition to keep it burning strong.

There are many starting methods that will get you to a good fire. Some people swear by the teepee. The best thing to do is get out there and try it for yourself; I can assure you that sitting here and reading about making fire will not keep you warm. I found a way that works for me. With a patience, a good foundation, and faith in the flames, I'm sure you will find your fire too.