Firestarter #3

Check the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge pamphlet and the Field Book. Our troop frequently has wet wood fire building contests. Soak a couple of logs for a day or two, give 'em a knife, an ax, and two matches. Burn through a string three feet above the base of a fire pit. Usually only takes about 4 to 8 minutes from go to burn.

Remember the basics, tinder is what starts a fire, kindling starts the fuel. With wet wood, you need lots of tinder and kindling, Split the wood, or break it or dig into it. Get at least Two LARGE handfuls of tiny splinters and shavings, four is better. Make sure you have LOTS of kindling about pencil thickness and some that gets gradually larger to about 3/4 inch diameter. Build your lay carefully, the younger scouts today, doing most of their camping with stoves, have the hardest time with this part. ...well maybe the rest of the preparation too.

 

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