How to Make Amazing Fire Starters

The ability to build a fire under any conditions has always been an important measure of a woodsman's skill. Even under ideal conditions, building a fire efficiently and quickly is not as easy as assumed by those who haven't tried it. Fortunately, it is easy to make some amazing fire starters out of supplies you may already have around the house. These take most of the work out of starting a fire, usually requiring only one match even in adverse conditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Ziplock bag, quart size
  • Cotton balls
  • Petroleum jelly, 3.75 ounce jar
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the ziplock bag with cotton balls. Pack them loosely; you don't want to squeeze the air out yet.

    • 2

      Add petroleum jelly to the bag. Squeeze the air out of the bag, and zip it closed. Knead the bag to distribute the petroleum jelly throughout the cotton balls.

    • 3

      Pull out two or three cotton balls at a time to place underneath any small twigs or other kindling you have, then light with a match. They will light easier and burn longer than most natural tinder.