It was fire, rather than weapons, that placed humans at the top of the food chain. Fire itself can be friend and foe at the same time. Mastering how to start and extinguish a fire are equally important skills to anyone spending time outdoors.
Over time humans’ fire sources have changed, but the reasons we use fire are much the same, though.
Back in the day, ignition sources were limited and there was little more than good old wood to be used as a fuel source. Fire was used for heat, light, and cooking. Most everything revolved around fire. In modern times, we have found ourselves less dependent on wood fire than our ancestors. This can all change very quickly if stranded in cold weather. You will have to depend on your fire-making skills to survive. Lucky for us, we have many new devices in which to create a fire. What would you do if you were stranded and had no modern fire-making tools? Would you make fire and survive? Are you prepared and up for the challenge?
Outdoors types like myself can find themselves trapped in a life-threatening fight with the cold. Any time you step foot in the winter woods, or off the beaten path, you can find yourself in need of such skills. There are things you can do to prepare for such an experience. The amount of knowledge you have in the world of fire making can mean the difference between life and death. I'm going to run through some fire-starting tools, and a scenario as to what would be the best action taken for the situation and how they are best used.
There are many fire-making tools on the market, but not all are what they seem. Be sure to test them and master their use before placing your life on your effectiveness at using them. Lighters and matches are the most common ignition source, but they can be problematic. Most will not work when wet, and they don't work well in the wind. A magnifying glass is a great way to start a fire, but will only work under nearly cloudless days, and are obviously useless after sunset. I'm going to skip to less common fire starting tools, because of nearly everyone's understanding of lighters, matches and their use. Because of their effectiveness and complication level. I will explain the use of magnesium fire starters, blast matches, and primitive fire-making skills.
Not all products on the market are made the same. They may look alike, but work quite differently. Make sure to test all tools for quality and effectiveness before heading afield. The magnesium starters are the most likely culprits of inconsistency. While some work great, others are nearly useless. I can't give advice as to what brand is best, so I recommend fully testing them.
Blast matches are pretty much the same, but I have heard less bad reports on them. Every one that I have seen worked well, but still, test them. As for primitive fire-making skills, it takes a lot of time and practice, but if you have a shoelace and a knife, you should be just fine.
For the scenario, we will imagine being stranded on a back road, after sliding in the snow and ending up stuck. You find yourself upside down after rolling your vehicle, the windows are broken, and the car won't start. Even worse you have no cell service, it's miles to the first house, and it's below zero outside. What should you do?
If you were prepared, you will have fire-making supplies in your glove box. You should get away from the car first as it could catch fire. Find a wind break, or build one if needed. Get all the kindling and wood gathered up, and get the fire going. Once you are warm and there are plenty of coals, gather up as much wood possible and keep the fire stoked while waiting for help.
Regardless of the scenario, the fire will need the same care to get started. This starts with tinder. You can use anything from grass, leaves, thin strips of birch bark, or paper if you happen to have some. You then need the smallest twigs you can find.
Once the tinder ignites, slowly add the twigs and continue to add bigger and bigger ones. Once the burning twigs reach the size of your thumb, you are likely set. Pile on larger and larger branches, gather and reapply as needed. You will likely not be comfortable, but will at least still be alive to see another day. Remember to extinguish all fires thoroughly to prevent wild fires!
Good wishes and be prepared to survive the cold.