SRL THE SELF-RELIANCE LIBRARY
FIRE
STEP 2 OF 7 · SRL-FIR-002
1-PAGE FIELD SHEET
How to Build Fire With Wet Wood
Purpose — Stage graduated dry fuel and a dry platform before you strike ignition — preparation decides the outcome.
FIELD CHECKLIST
- Three fuel piles staged by thickness, all snap-tested dry
- Platform of bark or dry branches built above wet ground
- Wind-sheltered ignition spot chosen, clear of dripping canopy
- Feather stick or fine shavings ready as the ignition point
- Next fuel stage within arm's reach before lighting
RED FLAGS — STOP AND RECHECK
- Fuel that bends instead of snapping in the smallest pile
- Ground platform that feels damp within a few minutes
DECISION RULE
Ignition fails: rebuild the smallest fuel stage before trying again, not just re-striking.
- Lighting tinder before the next stage is ready
- Skipping the dry platform on surface-dry ground
- Compensating with excess tinder instead of re-processing wood
SAFETY NOTE
BEFORE YOU ACT ON THIS SHEETAssumes a reliable ignition source is already available. Always build fires clear of overhanging dead branches.
EMERGENCY REMINDERIf fire-starting is failing and hypothermia risk is high, prioritize dry insulation and wind-blocking over continuing repeated ignition attempts.