Thursday 06/08/15
As we all know, there are three basic elements to survival: water, shelter and fire. Tonight, I’m going to make building fire a little easier for you.
Unless you’re in an area devoid of trees, you should be able to find wood for your fire. With a little effort you should be able to collect all you need; big bits, little bits, and even kindling. Unless you have something to cut the kindling into pieces small enough, you might have a little trouble making tinder.
Fear not! With two common household items you can make all the tinder you need. Well, to be more accurate, you can make your own fire starters. All you need is a jar of petroleum jelly and packet of cotton balls (or cotton wool).
How to:
- Lay your supplies out on a clean work area. Don’t try doing this in a dirty or dusty area, because all you’ll end up with is some slippery grit.
- Next, rub a little bit of petroleum jelly through a cotton ball. Try to pull the cotton ball back out to its original size. Don’t be too fussy with this part; all you’re trying to do is avoid the cotton ball becoming a solid lump. This is your fire starter.
- Place fire starter off to one side and make several more (4-6 should do).
Build your fire as you would (remembering to clear flammable debris from the area), but you can use the petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls in place of tinder.
By now you’re asking yourself “Is he pulling my leg?”. There’s only one way to find out. Make some of these home-made fire starters and give it a go. Remember, SAFETY FIRST. I don’t want to receive a whole bunch of complaints saying you burnt yourselves because you were being careless.