How to light a fire without matches: methods. How to make fire without matches?

08.02.2024

Do you consider yourself a modern person? Do you really believe that you can handle any complexity or problem? In principle, we can assume that this is the case. But, as practice shows, the average person can be proud of his omnipotence only as long as he does not leave his usual habitat. Shall we check?

Section 1. How to light a fire without matches? Relevance of the issue

The 21st century is just around the corner. We have learned to fly to the moon, with the help of the Internet you can find almost any information, and you can already learn foreign languages without leaving your computer. All this is called scientific and technological progress.

What about simpler, but still vitally important things? Have you ever wondered whether modern man can survive, say, in the wild? Does he know, without matches, or how to build at least a temporary shelter from the rain? As sad as it may be, the answers to these questions will most likely be negative.

In general, if you look at the statistics, it turns out that most city residents cannot light a fire even with a lighter, and they have no idea about the various methods of making fire.

That’s why you shouldn’t forget about survival school. You never know where and when it might come in handy. There is an opinion that every man should know how to start a fire without matches, but women should also listen to our advice today. This is, you see, the most important skill for survival.

Section 2. We list the main ways to solve the problem

How to make fire without matches in the forest? Is this even possible?

It is absolutely clear that any moisture or dampness will ruin all your endeavors. Here, it would seem, there is nothing to argue about. Even a junior schoolchild realizes that in order to make a fire in the forest without matches or using them (at this stage this is not so important), you will need dry rags or leaves; by the way, ropes, gauze, chopped bark or dry moss, etc. Let me note that this is only a minimum set of components. So to speak, the most accessible to the common man.

From a scientific point of view, there are four main methods to solve the problem:

chemical;
textbook (using a lens);
using friction force;
solid.

Now let's talk about each of them in more detail.

Section 3. Chemical method

Probably, even from school, some of us remember that a flammable mixture can be caused by the reaction of potassium permanganate and glycerin. If you have access to these ingredients to “cook” a fire, go for it! In this case, you can easily solve the problem of how to light a fire without matches in the field. Just 1 g of potassium permanganate, poured onto previously prepared cloths, and a couple of drops of glycerin are enough. But I would like to immediately warn you: as soon as you drop the glycerin, quickly remove your hand, because the fire will immediately begin to devour the offered “gifts”.

Section 4. How to light a fire without matches. Long, but reliable - a textbook method

Using a lens from glasses, binoculars, a telescope, a convex bottle, an aquarium or other shaped glass, you can focus the sun's ray to create a fire. For example, Robinson Crusoe from the well-known and beloved book from childhood, before getting fire without matches (what kind of matches and lighter could there be on an island?!?), diligently used watch glass.

Section 5. Ready to work hard? Tiring way

You can make a fire, although this is a very tedious and not always fruitful activity. To begin with, a bow is made from soft wood, but a rope will perfectly serve as a bowstring. The “drill” will be any pointed stick. The support should be made of dry hardwood logs, such as pine or oak.

The source material is first cleared of bark. Then you need to drill a hole 1-1.5 cm deep in it and carefully cover it with tinder. The drill needs to be wrapped in a bowstring, inserted with one ring into the hole, and tinder placed tightly around it. Only after this, firmly pressing the drill with your palm, you need to quickly move the bow with your right hand. This should be done perpendicular to the drill. Important: to avoid damaging your palm, place a fabric pad between the drill and your hand; you can replace it with tree bark. After the tinder has smoldered, you need to fan it well and add kindling, which has been prepared in advance.

Section 6. Hard way

For this method, any stone can be used as a material. It is quite convenient to knock out a spark using a steel knife or other metal objects. The success of such an activity is difficult to predict, because everything depends on luck and a very dry base for the fire.

Section 7. “Diligence and labor will grind everything”

You should immediately warn that making fire by friction is the most difficult method. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.

In general, there are various methods for creating fire by friction. However, the most important aspect is the type of wood used for the board and spindle.

The spindle is the stick that you will spin to create friction between it and the board. Juniper, cypress, aspen, willow, cedar, and walnut are considered the best materials for boards and spindles. To use wood to make fire using the friction method, as well as, in principle, any other method, the wood must be taken exclusively dry.

Section 8: Hand Drill Method

Honestly, it is the most primitive, but also the most basic and difficult. All that is required in this case is wood, tireless hands and determination.

Build a tinder nest. For tinder, a material that ignites with a single spark, it is best to use:

birch bark;
dry grass;
pine needles;
wood shavings;
tinder fungi (crushed and dry mushrooms);
wax paper;
fluffy cotton wool;
burnt cotton fabric;
fir cones.

Make the cut by cutting a small indentation into the board. It is worth placing a bark under this cutout to catch the ember that arises from friction. Start rotating by placing the spindle in the recess. Typically, it needs to be about 50 centimeters long for this method to work properly. Rotate the stick between your palms until an ember appears.

As soon as a spark appears, quickly transfer it to the previously prepared tinder nest. Blow on it carefully, everything is ready - the fire is burning.

Section 9. Fire bow method

It is considered the most effective way to make fire, which is based on friction. In this case, you will need to use a bow and auger.

Make a tight bow. To do this, pull a rope, belt, or cord around the stick. Then make a hole in dry wood. Next, quickly and for a long time twist the shaft in the hole using the bow. You should end up with a black powder. As soon as a spark appears in it, it must be transferred to the tinder.

Section 10. Flint and steel

In general, it should be noted that this is an old and reliable backup option for those who do not know how to make a fire without matches in the forest or in open areas.

In principle, it is a good idea to always carry flint with you on a hike. After all, matches can get wet and will be useless. Otherwise, you can still get a spark from a piece of flint.

Flint remains the ideal option. In addition, you can always improvise using quartzite and the steel blade of any knife.

But that's not all. According to experts, you will definitely need a charred piece of cloth, which can be replaced with a dry piece of mushroom or birch bark.

Take stone and cloth.
Place a piece of stone between your thumb and index finger, with the edge protruding 7 centimeters.
Pinch the fabric securely with your thumb and flint.
Start striking sparks. To do this, hit the flint with steel or a knife blade several times; you will see that sparks will fly off onto the fabric, thereby causing a glow.
Place the spark cloth on the tinder and blow gently to start the fire.

Section 11. Using the Lens

In general, all methods based on producing fire using lenses are considered the easiest. Before starting a fire without matches, you just need to focus the sun's rays on a specific place.

Also suitable for this purpose:

magnifying glass;
glasses;
binoculars.

By the way, if you add a little water to the lens, the beam of light will become more intense. Try to tilt the glass in such a way as to focus the rays to a point with the smallest possible diameter. Place tinder in this place, you will soon be able to get fire.

The only drawback of this method is that it only works in the presence of sun. And at night you will have to use other methods.

Section 12. Creative approach

Don't know how to light a fire without matches? Try to do it in an original way - you will have fun yourself and surprise your friends.

So, in addition to traditional methods, there are three completely unusual, but quite effective methods that are based on the refraction of rays.

Balloons and condoms. If you fill a balloon or condom with water, it turns into a lens. True, they should be kept less from the tinder - 1-2 cm.
Fire from ice. Make fire from a block of ice. This method is extremely useful for winter camping. But for the method to work, the ice must be completely transparent and about 5 centimeters thick. Then shape the ice into a lens, polish it with your hands until smooth, and use it like a traditional lens.
Coca-Cola and chocolate. You will also need chocolate. Moreover, the bottom of the first should be polished with the second; toothpaste will also work. After grinding, you will get a parabolic mirror. All that remains is to catch the sunlight and place tinder where the rays focus.