How do you light a fire if you have no kindling?
By kris182_2000
@kris182_2000 (5453)
Canada
October 23, 2010 7:25pm CST
Lately, we've run out of kindling and have almost run out of wood, and are using damp logs. They're not seasoned, I know that's the problem.
However, without kindling, we're having a hard time figuring out how to get these logs lit without having to buy logs from somewhere.
Someone once said not to use cardboard, I guess it's because of the creosote build up, but we're finding that it's easier to get the logs going by using it. I don't use it much unless I have to, but there's only so much dry kindling in our yard.
Does anyone have any suggestions at all?
4 responses
@initialsgas (61)
• United States
24 Oct 10
Lighter fluid haha. Well the only way to start a fire is to start small, and without kindling, it'll be really hard! If you have cotton socks, or have lint in your pockets, use the lint and take some of the little fibers that come off of the socks as kindling.
@kris182_2000 (5453)
• Canada
24 Oct 10
I completely forgot about that, someone told me that a while ago about the lint thing.
I just tossed some out actually, so I'll go get it and see how it works.
@kris182_2000 (5453)
• Canada
24 Oct 10
Wow, we just put in a good chunk of lint and it's going good in the fireplace.
I'll have to use it more often. It burns for a long time. It's been going at least 30 seconds, almost a minute.
Thanks for the reminder about it.
@initialsgas (61)
• United States
25 Oct 10
your welcome. :) I'm a boy scout so I know these things. If you need anything thats about outdoors, just contact me and i'll try to answer my best.
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
24 Oct 10
I've used all kinds of stuff for starting fires. I have used old phone books and anything paper wise from my trash. It seemed to work, I mean all you gotta do is get it going a little bit.
@kris182_2000 (5453)
• Canada
24 Oct 10
We use paper as well, but it only causes flash fires, nothing good enough to really get a fire going.
@GardenGerty (160703)
• United States
24 Oct 10
I do not have a fireplace or anything. I used to keep pine cones that I had dipped in old candle wax to start fires in my chiminea. I would use twisted newspaper, or even junk mail as fire starters also.
@imphavok (320)
• Canada
24 Oct 10
Newspaper or any old paper works well to help get a fire going. I would also suggest when you have the fire going place some of the wood you are going to be using the next day around the outside of it to help them dry out. You can also take the logs and make kindling by taking an axe and chopping it into small pieces. Good Luck! : )
