Survival guides · Shelter & Fire

Make Fire Starters

WHEN TO USE THISMake these ahead of time. They keep for months in your kit.

1. Cotton balls + petroleum jelly

   • The best DIY starter.
   • Fluff a cotton ball. Work Vaseline into it — leave one end dry to catch the spark.
   • Burns 4–7 minutes.
   • Store in a small waterproof container or zip bag.

2. Dryer lint + wax

   • Pack cotton dryer lint into the cups of a cardboard egg carton.
   • Pour melted candle wax over each cup.
   • Cool, break apart. Each burns 8–10 minutes.
   • Or stuff lint into toilet-paper tubes and fold the ends.

3. Steel wool + 9-volt battery

   • Touch the battery to fine (#0000) steel wool — it ignites instantly.
   • Hot enough to light kindling directly.
   • Store them apart.
   • Coarse steel wool won't work.

4. Char cloth

   • 100% cotton squares, about 2 inches.
   • Into a small metal tin with one small hole in the lid.
   • Set it in a fire. Smoke comes out the hole.
   • Smoke stops? Take it out. Let it cool before opening.
   • Catches a single spark and holds an ember for minutes.

Sources: US Army FM 3-05.70 Survival · National Park Service Campfire Safety

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.