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How To Use Natural Fire Lighters

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How To Use Natural Fire Lighters

Lighting a fire in the wild can be tricky. Here we introduce the natural fire lighters that will make bush craft that little bit easier. Lighting a fire in the wild can be tricky. Here we introduce the natural fire lighters that will make bush craft that little bit easier.

Step 1: Maya sticks

Maya sticks are highly resinous. Shave bits off of these, and then put a spark or flame to them for an easy light.

Step 2: Birch bark

Keep some birch bark in your pocket, allowing it to dry. This will provide a handy and accessible fire lighter when needed.

Step 3: Cramp balls

Cramp balls can be found on struggling Ash trees. Shave off the outer part, and then put a spark or coal to the inner fibres. This will burn for up to twenty minutes, and is handy if you have a limited number of sparks. It can also be used as a hand warmer.

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Tips & Comments
  2. Yorkshire pud

    Good video, hopefully most of us will never HAVE to use it.. but it's nice to know.. I'd love to get one of those metal stick things - so much depends on getting that first spark!

  3. happybonzo

    Cut up some thin strips of bicycle inner tube and carry those to add to a fire when timber may be wet - gets anything going.

  4. Anonymous

    In the Southern U.S. we call Maya sticks, fat lighter or fat-wood. You can find it almost anywhere there are pine (evergreen) trees. They do come from the stumps of felled trees. They have a very strong smell of resin and are very dense and hard. They burn very hot. If you have a hatchet/ax or a thick-bladed knife, split them lengthwise into thin strips. Light one with a match or with your steel, and you have a long, hot-burning natural match that will help to heat and burn damp tinder and kindling.

  5. Anonymous

    I've never seen a fire steel, or a maya stick, but what great ideas. I"m constantly amazed at what I find on the internet!

  7. Idj

    Nice