A Complete Guide To Starting a Fire With Sticks

Starting a fire is an essential survival skill that every outdoorsman should have. If you’re in the wilderness and without matches or a lighter, you’ll need to know how to start a fire with sticks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all the basics of starting an outdoor fire, from what kind of wood to use to tips for keeping it going.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or new to the camping scene, having the knowledge of how to start a fire with sticks can give you the confidence to strike out into the unknown and enjoy a night under the stars. Let’s get started so you can be ready when the time comes.

Basic Supplies and Preparation

The essential fire supplies are tinder, kindling, and wood. Tinder should comprise dry materials such as dead grass, pine needles, and leaves that will quickly catch fire. For kindling, gather small twigs or bird’s nests that will help the fire spread when lit. Finally, use larger branches as firewood to ensure you get the correct heat for your fire. You’ll also need a knife or other cutting tool, rocks for constructing a platform, and a clear area without combustible materials like plants nearby.  

Making a Fire Platform 

Once you have gathered all your materials, it’s time to build a platform upon which you will start your fire. Start by collecting some rocks from nearby rivers or streams and placing them in a pile in an open area. This should separate the tinder from the kindling and wood, preventing them from being contaminated by dampness or dirt during the building process. Once your platform is built, make sure to place it far away from any combustible materials, such as plants or trees, so as not to cause any unintentional fires. 

Building the Fire 

Now it’s time to actually build your fire! Start by creating a tinder bundle using your dry leaves and grass and placing it on top of your platform of rocks. Next, stack your kindling material on top of the tinder bundle in a tee-pee shape – this will help create the airflow necessary for lighting the fire. Finally, stack larger logs or branches on top of the kindling to provide heat for your fire throughout its duration. 

Final Touches 

Once you’ve finished building the fire, you’ll need to find a way to light it! You can use a ferro rod (magnesium stick) if you have one on hand – simply strike it repeatedly on your rock platform until it sparks and lights the tinder bundle below it! Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a ferro rod, you can make use of “the bow drill method”. To do this, use your knife or cutting tool to form a bow out of two sticks – one longer than the other – affixing them together using rope or string at each end so they form an arc shape. Then rotate one stick against the other until it creates enough friction to spark embers which can light your tinder bundle. After doing this twice, blow gently on the embers until they ignite into flames. Congratulations – you have successfully started a fire with sticks! 

Conclusion

Starting a fire with sticks is an old-school skill that requires practice and patience but can be mastered over time. You can find all the necessary supplies in nature or pick up a ferro rod from any outdoor supply store. By following this step-by-step guide, you can become an expert at starting fires with just sticks and stones!