Fire is one of the most important skills in survival and crisis preparedness. It provides warmth, protects you from hypothermia, allows you to boil water, prepare food, and serves as a signal in emergency situations. Anyone outdoors or preparing for emergencies should know how to start a fire—and have the right survival gear at hand.
Why fire is so crucial
Fire is more than just heat. It fulfills several vital functions:
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Protection against hypothermia: Especially on damp or cold nights, a fire can make the difference between comfort and life-threatening situations.
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Clean drinking water: Boiled water is free of bacteria and viruses.
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Food preparation: Raw food does not always provide enough energy, cooked food strengthens you.
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Signaling: Smoke during the day, flames at night – a fire can draw the attention of emergency services.
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Psychological effect: A fire brings calm, motivation and structure in stressful situations.
The Basics: What you need for a fire
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Tinder: Fine material that quickly catches sparks—e.g., birch bark, dry grasses, or special tinder like our Survival Hemp Cord with Fire Starter or Pinewood Fire Starter.
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Kindling: Thin, dry branches or prepared wood chips.
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Fuel: Thicker pieces of wood to keep the fire going.
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Oxygen: Without air supply, every fire goes out – astainless steel fire blowpipe helps you to fan the embers in a targeted manner.
👉 Basic rule: Build your fire from small to large.
Important types of fire for outdoors
Not every fire is suitable for every situation. Here's an overview:
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Tipi fire: Simple pyramid shape, ideal for quick lighting.
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Star fire: Long branches radiate like a star from the center - saves wood and lasts a long time.
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Hunter's fire: Two parallel logs with fire in between - perfect for cooking.
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Pit fire: depression in the ground that protects the fire from the wind.
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Dakota Fire Hole: Two connected holes - very efficient, little smoke, difficult to detect (ideal for survival).
Different methods of making fire
Fire with flint and magnesium
A fire steel is a classic in the outdoor and prepper scene. Vigorous scraping creates sparks of over 3,000°C, which work even in the rain. Magnesium shavings significantly increase the heat.
Fire by friction – Bow Drill
The traditional yet challenging technique: Using a bow, spindle, and board, you create embers. This technique requires practice but offers the ultimate in independence from modern equipment.
Fire with solar power
On sunny days, you can harness the sun's energy. A solar lighter focuses the rays onto the tinder.
➡️ Solar Lighter, Solar Lighter
Chemical or natural firelighters
Magnesium, pinewood, or impregnated hemp cord are great aids when you need to move quickly or when conditions are difficult.
➡️ Pinewood fire starter
➡️ Survival hemp cord
Complete sets for emergencies
If you don't have time for improvisation, you'll be well equipped with a compact set.
Safety tips when making fire
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Choosing a location: Build your fire somewhere sheltered from the wind and not directly under trees or on dry leaves.
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Prepare the fire pit: Place earth or stones around it to prevent spread.
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Don't forget to extinguish: Always have water or sand ready. A fire is only considered extinguished when the embers are cold.
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Respect nature: Leave no trace.
Practical scenarios
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Rain and cold: Your lighter fails, but with a magnesium flint and pinewood you can still get a fire going.
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Bushcraft Weekend: With the Bow Drill you practice the traditional method and learn real survival skills.
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Power outage in the city: Your fire starter kit provides you with warmth and cooking facilities.
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Summer heat: With the solar lighter You can light embers in seconds - without any consumables.
Conclusion: Making fire is more than a technique
Fire is life—it gives you safety, warmth, and strength. Those who know the basics and have the right equipment have an advantage in every situation.
In the Prepper Store you will find a large selection of fire starters, solar lighters, tinder and fire sets that will reliably supply you - whether for your next adventure or for your emergency preparedness .
👉 Get your fire starter now at the Prepper Store and be ready whenever you need a fire.
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