If you have a fireplace in your home, chances are you have a gas line that helps you get it going. If you don't, you probably have some nifty long matches, a lighter and a stack of newspaper on the hearth. But what if you got lost in the wintry woods without a match or lighter? What if you washed ashore on a deserted island, soaked to the bone? You may not think so, but it could happen to you -- just ask Tom Hanks. His movie character used wits and determination to survive in "Castaway."
Lambert/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The campfire these sportsmen built is really top-notch
and aces for cooking food.
Along with shelter and water, fire is the most important thing you need to survive in the wilderness. It provides the following:
- Warmth in cold conditions
- A means to purify water or sterilize tools
- Heat to dry wet clothes
- A cooking flame
- A sense of security and comfort
- Smoke for rescue signals
- Heat to melt snow and ice for drinking water
- A means to scare away dangerous animals
- Light for your shelter or for torches
- Smoke to help repel insects
Survival Skills |
There are many methods you can use to start a fire without a match. Some are easier than others, and they all require a bit of practice. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, it's a good idea to practice some of these techniques when you go camping. It can help build your confidence in the great outdoors -- and it's a lot of fun.
In this article, we'll look at the various methods you can use to start a fire without a match. We'll also fill you in on the best wood to collect and the optimum placement of your survival fire.
