Survival guides · Shelter & Fire

Start a Fire — Ferro Rod

WHEN TO USE THISSparks that work wet and windy, for thousands of strikes.

1. Fine, dry tinder

   • Birch bark shavings, cattail fluff, dryer lint, fatwood shavings, Vaseline cotton balls, char cloth.
   • A loose, airy bird's nest of it.
   • Tinder matters more than technique.

2. Strike

   
   • Rod tip in the tinder.
   • Striker (or knife spine) on the rod at 30–45°.
   • Hold the striker still. Pull the rod back — one hard, fast stroke.
   • Sparks shower straight down into the tinder.
   Why

   Pulling the rod back instead of pushing the striker forward keeps your hand from hitting the tinder bundle and knocking it apart.

3. Grow the ember

   • A glowing spot in the tinder? Slow, gentle breaths.
   • Cup the bundle loosely; blow from below.
   • Patience. Blowing hard puts it out.

4. Into the fire lay

   • Flaming? Slide it into your tepee of kindling.
   • Fine kindling around and on top, then bigger pieces.
   • Spark to steady fire: 5–10 minutes with practice.

Sources: US Army FM 3-05.70 Survival · National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)

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