Outdoors

How to start a fire without matches


There are three ways to start a fire without the help of matches. Each can be effective, and all take lots of practice, but they’re actually pretty fun to learn.

Watch our step-by-step video to learn how, and check out the article in the December 2010 issue of Boys’ Life magazine for more information.

Remember: Even in a survival situation, try to avoid harming the environment when building your fire. Look for a spot from which a fire could not spread and where the surrounding area would not be damaged.

Comments about “How to start a fire without matches”

  1. SuperScout1 says:

    I was a Boy Scout, am an Eagle Scout, and love building fires. Great job on the video guys! But I would have to say that there are many more than just three ways to build a fire. For those of you who want to survive anywhere, here are a few more methods =)

    - Single(1) match
    - Battery and steel wool
    - Burning laser light
    - Lighter
    - Drop of water in jar/cup
    - Fire from ice – the natural lens
    - Pop can and chocolate – parabolic lens

    Have fun!

  2. K man says:

    Steel wool and a battery works too.

  3. bman3792 says:

    Man, I’ve got to try that!

  4. chaoscontrol says:

    AWESOME!

  5. Sonic200mph says:

    One word: WOW!!!

  6. rock and roll says:

    so cool

  7. wierdo78 says:

    like you would not use matches.

  8. 1crazyguy says:

    This is an EXCELLENT video! It teaches the basics of fire starting in a simple manner that is easily understandable. Great Job!!

  9. THE BUSTER says:

    The flint and steel is awsome I have started thousands of fires with the stuff.

  10. bball13 says:

    i have tride to do the magnufine glass it did not work

  11. Skits says:

    Helpful I could do that on new years for a bonfire. But I do have matches, but they wont last longer than week.

  12. pooh bear says:

    this ia great i have to try this some time

  13. slick says:

    way awesome!!!!

  14. mitch says:

    I have a magnifieng glass with me all the time.

  15. dude says:

    Loved it, especially the flint and steel.

  16. jman says:

    It looks so easy to them

  17. lol' says:

    i have the flint and steel but i prefer friction bow

  18. Affe says:

    I suppose a butane lighter wou.ld count as not using matches! ;)

  19. blahaha says:

    they need to dig a very small wide hole and put rocks around it to make a fire pit ive seen so many flammable things aroud that. they should also put a little bit of green grass in there. the water in the grass will evaporate and the grass will burn longer.

  20. Agent Lynam says:

    This is really cool I want to try, but Remember: Even in a survival situation, try to avoid harming the environment when building your fire. Look for a spot from which a fire could not spread and where the surrounding area would not be damaged.

  21. dude54 says:

    sweet I’m so buying a steel and flint set for my next campout

  22. skinny willy says:

    There is another way to start a fire by using a battery and steel wool

  23. scatman990 says:

    Now THAT Is A Skill I’ll Teach My Son!=D

  24. Mandalore7 says:

    awesome

  25. boy1278 says:

    cool but Remember: Even in a survival situation, try to avoid harming the environment when building your fire. Look for a spot from which a fire could not spread and where the surrounding area would not be damaged.

    • bsaqmaster140 says:

      Yes a really good thing to remember.
      A good tinder that I use is charred cloth.

      And remember only you can prevent a forest fire.

  26. Fire freak says:

    Great video!Next campout I’m getting a flint and steel set or use a bow saw like I learned here!

  27. anomonous says:

    cool

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