The other day, I was thinking about how if something like an apocalypse happened and the survivors had the same level of intelligence and knowledge I had, we basically would not be able to advance technologically for a long, long time. It was kind of hilarious but depressing to think about. I have no idea how people make computers, phones, the internet, etc. and honestly I probably would not know how to make something simpler like a battery or a light bulb.

And when I thought about it further, I realized not only could I not advance society, I wouldn’t even be able to really fulfill basic needs. For example, if I were stranded on an island, I would barely know how to start a fire, collect water, build shelter, and gather/hunt for food. Maybe it’s just me but I find it a bit worrisome that many of my skills, like online marketing and music production, require the use of the computer and internet.

I was at a beach one day lounging out. And in the corner of my eye, I saw and smelled a bit of smoke coming from some wood. I went and checked it out and saw that the wood seemed like it was burning a bit. So my friend and I decided to try and get it going into a real fire. We looked online to see instructions on how to start a fire, and after a few steps we were actually able to do it!

Though there was already smoke going on from burning coals, it did make me a bit more confident that I could figure it out if I were trapped on a deserted island. Because of this I wanted to make a post to cover the steps on how to start a fire (which would in turn make sure I engrain the knowledge for any future purpose).

 

How to Start a Fire

We ended up watching this video to get information:

1. Pick a Spot

Say you’re at a beach. Pick a spot that isn’t too windy, and dig a hole to make a little pit for the fire. You could try digging a 1-2 feet deep pit with raised edges as to block the wind.

2. Gather Dried Wood

Here is a list of recommended wood for friction fires:

• Red Elm (Slippery Elm)
• Cedar (one of the best choices)
• Basswood
• Walnut
• Blue Beech
• Cottonwood
• Yucca (one of the best choices)
• Cypress
• Hibiscus wood
• Driftwood

3. Gather a Tinder Bundle

Grab a bunch of dry, fibrous material like the following:

• Birch tree bark
• Cattail fluff
• Cotton ball
• Steel Wool

4. Grab a Shorter Wood Stick

Cut the end of a smaller stick of wood with a rock so that it is slanted at a 45 degree angle. You will use this stick to create friction on a bigger piece of wood you will be using. The two pieces of wood you use should come from the same branch.

5. Create a Flat Spot in the Wood

You can use a rock to carve out a flat spot in the wood to work off of, preferably around 8 inches long, and carve a groove in the middle as a track for the other stick.

6. Stabilize the Larger Piece of Wood

You can sit on the back of the larger piece of wood or wedge the wood under something heavy so that it doesn’t move when you’re creating friction with the smaller stick of wood.

7. Create Friction Between the Short Stick and Large Stick

Take the shorter stick and push it back and forth on the groove track.

8. Get the Ember Burning

Once it starts burning and you get a few coals, you can place it on some tinder. Loosely place some tinder over the coals so the wind doesn’t blow it out, and it continues to smolder.

9. Wave the Tinder Bundle Around

You can blow on the tinder bundle and wave it around to get some air flow and create that flame!

10. Place the Bundle on Wood Pieces

Now you can create your little campfire by placing the bundle on more wood pieces so that it continues burning.

Here is a video of the flame we were able to make:

Conclusion

Though I have learned the steps on how to start a fire I have yet to truly implement them. Hopefully I’ll be able to take action in case some type of apocalypse or disaster happens! I’ve also included some cool videos below for other methods and scenarios where you have to implement survival tactics:

On a deserted island, this is probably the most awesome way to make fire. I wouldn’t classify it as a piece of cake, but he’s so good at it he makes it look super easy:

I stumbled on this random, cool video as well, in case you get stranded in the woods with your car and a pencil:

If you have any feedback let us know in the comments below!