How do I Start a Fire with No Matches in the Winter?

Knowing how to start and contain a fire in winter is not only a useful skill to have, but also one that may save lives. Practice using various methods in all sorts of weather and light conditions in the safety and comfort of your backyard so that when you are exposed to extreme elements, you have an easier time starting a fire.

  1. Preparation

    • Although you cannot control the elements, you can learn to work with certain conditions in the environment, particularly in winter. The first thing to remember is never to build a fire underneath a snow-covered tree, where melting water can drip and extinguish the flames. Dig down through the snow to bare earth, or build the fire on top of several logs so that there is a barrier between the fire and snow or any other wetness. Make sure the fire is sheltered from any wind.

    Types of Tinder

    • Tinder is any dry, fluffy flammable material that lights up very easily. This is extremely useful whether matches are used or not. Tinder can be found in everyday objects such as laundry lint, cattail fluff and cedar bark.

    Starting a Fire

    • Flint and steel, a bow drill or hand drill, a 9-volt battery with steel wool and even a magnesium fire-starting tool are other resources for starting a fire. Use your chosen tinder to catch the spark or ember. Blow on it gently and steadily to get a flame from the tinder. Smoke will come first before the flame is ignited. Tinder lights the kindling, which ignites the main fuel. Making sure the flames are dry and consistently fueled will keep the fire going.