Initial Heat Source

Ensuring you have a heat source you are competent in using is essential before you start setting up your fire. This initial heat source will be responsible for providing the heat side of the fire triangle. The initial heat source will be responsible for lighting your tinder, which then lights you kindling, which you will build upon to make your fire.

There are several different types of heat sources, some involving man made mechanisms that you would need to bring to sight and others which can be used from the environment around you.

Man Made Heat Sources for Lighting Fires (Click on the table for a printable version) 

Naturally Created Heat Sources

Below you will find the two most common natural heat sources, they both require a bit of practice to perfect. Once you have perfected the technique they can be efficient methods for fire lighting. Click the links below to learn more about the techniques.