How to start a fire outdoors– basics

1. Classic and basic way of starting a fire outdoors. 2. Items – Tinder – anything that is thin, dry and fibrous – dry leaves, dry

bark, dry shredded plants ( also ! paper, possibly plastic, products labels, feathers down, etc)

Firewood - different sizes – from thin chopsticks-like upwards

Source of fire - matches, lighter, candle, etc

3. Method - Make the nest – on dry surface, tinder, add the firewood gradually starting with the thin small ones in a teepee shape, adding the larger ones and larger and larger, allowing the air to circulate. Ignite the tinder under the teepee – tricky part if you are in a windy, cold, non dry environment. Once the tinder turns into small patches of ember - you are a winner ! Fire will most likely not start instantly with 1-2 matches.

Next most important step is to blow gently onto ember until thick smoke and eventually flames will start. Blowing too had – ruins the tinder and amber will extinguish. Insufficient blowing - lose the ember. Consider reshaping it, moving tinder and wood in order to spread the ember and let oxygen circulate.Once the fire is on add logs of wood on the teepee without ruining it.

SAFETY FIRST ! Do not add inflammable liquids on the fire! Do not leave fire unattended. Make sure it’s out when leaving!Don’t start a fire in a forest!