Knowing how to start a fire can possibly save your life. It is one of the most essential survivor skills you should know if you are serious about surviving in an emergency or disaster. Here are five good reasons for knowing how to start a fire.
1. Water
Water is essential to our survival.
- We cannot survive on drinking our own urine
- Dirty water can kill us
- Dehydration leads to heat-related illnesses and speeds up hypothermia
In order for water to be safe to drink, purify and filter it first. Boiling water for 10 minutes will make it safe to drink.
2. Food
Food is also essential to our survival.
- Tastes better warmed up
- Kills off bacteria on animals we hunt or trap
- Makes you feel better when you are not starving
- Keeps your energy up
3. Warmth
Warmth prevents hypothermia. Hypothermia is still a threat in spring when weather significantly cools down at night.
4. Lifts Your Spirits
Fire will give you a sense of control over the situation.
- Calms you down for a clearer head
- Provides light to perform essential tasks, like making a shelter, trapping and cooking food
- Offers safety and security
- Protects against bugs and animals
5. Signaling
Fire and smoke will alert rescuers or others of your location.
Note: You should always have a way to start a fire in the wild with you. Even for short outings—just in case.
- Fire steel and flint
- Lighter, disposable or refillable (remember to keep it filled)
- Waterproof matches inside a waterproof container
- Tinder (in a small plastic bag or other waterproof container, dryer lint or cotton soaked in petroleum jelly)
Have you ever been forced to build a fire during a survival situation? Share your story with us in the comment section.
To learn how to start a fire in any survival situation, read the following posts
- Quick Prepper Tip: Start a Fire in a Flash
- How to Build a Fire in the Snow
- Survivor Skill Set 101: How to Build a Fire
- Make a Coke and Candy Fire
- Five Free Fire Starters
[suzanne]
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