How to Use a Fire Plow

In camping, like much else, the unexpected can always occur. When foul weather, injury or disorientation convert a simple camping trip into an act of survival, thoughts of food, shelter and warmth grow foremost in the mind. A method of fire-starting, the fire plow uses primitive materials and techniques in place of matches or a lighter. The fire plow uses friction from two pieces of wood, called the "plow" and "fireboard," to generate a coal hot enough to ignite tinder. The survivalist then places this lighted tinder beneath a pile of kindling to create the basis for his fire.

Things You'll Need

  • Tinder
  • Knife or rock surface
  • 12-inch by 1-inch dry stick (plow)
  • 2-inch or wider dry log or stick (fireboard)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather a handful of tinder. Tinder can be anything small and easily ignited, such as dry grass, bark shavings or small twigs.

    • 2

      Shape the tinder into a tight, dense bundle that resembles a bird's nest.

    • 3

      Use a knife or rock surface to shape the end of the plow so that the last inch measures from 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. This will be the tip of the plow.

    • 4

      Use the narrow tip of the plow to gouge out a groove in the fireboard some 6 inches long.

    • 5

      Kneel at one end of the fireboard. Depending on the shape and thickness of the fireboard, use your knees or the inner part of your thighs to keep the fireboard from moving.

    • 6

      Place the nest of tinder close by for easy reach.

    • 7

      Place one hand 1 inch from the tip of the plow while using the other hand to cover the end of the plow. Insert the butt end of the plow into the groove in the fireboard.

    • 8

      Rub the plow vigorously back and forth against the groove in the fireboard, using a combination of forward motion and downward pressure to generate a lighted coal.

    • 9

      Use the plow to scrape the coal carefully into the middle of the bundle of tinder. Immediately wrap the tinder around the coal while blowing softly on it.

    • 10

      Transfer the bundle of tinder to the kindling. Continue to blow gently on the bundle until the kindling is ignited.