Emergency Fire Starting

Why it matters

During an emergency, fire may help with outdoor cooking, warmth, signaling, and boiling water. But fire is also one of the fastest ways to make a bad situation worse if used in the wrong place.

• Know whether fire is safe, legal, and appropriate for your situation.
• Plan safer indoor alternatives for heat and cooking.
• Keep fire tools dry and separated so one failure does not leave you without options.

Fire safety first

• Do not use grills, camp stoves, charcoal, or open flame indoors. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly.
• Keep flames away from tents, dry grass, leaves, curtains, furniture, and fuel containers.
• Clear the area around an outdoor fire and keep water, dirt, or an extinguisher nearby.
• Avoid open flame during high wind, drought, burn bans, or wildfire risk.
• Extinguish completely before leaving the area.

Ignition methods

Use more than one ignition method because lighters fail, matches get wet, and batteries die.

• Waterproof matches in a sealed container.
• Reliable lighters stored in more than one location.
• Ferro rod or striker for a longer-lasting backup.
• Fire-starting cubes, waxed cotton, or commercial tinder.
• A magnifying lens can work in sun but should not be your primary method.

Tinder, kindling, and fuel

• Tinder catches the spark first: dryer lint, cotton balls with petroleum jelly, wood shavings, waxed paper, or commercial tinder.
• Kindling helps the flame grow: small dry sticks, split wood, cardboard, or prepared kindling.
• Fuel keeps the fire going: larger dry wood or an appropriate stove fuel.
• Store tinder and matches in waterproof bags or containers.
• Do not rely on finding dry natural materials during storms or winter weather.

Cooking and boiling water

• Use outdoor stoves, grills, or fire pits only in safe, ventilated areas.
• Keep cooking areas stable and away from children, pets, and foot traffic.
• Have a pot, lid, gloves, and safe fuel storage.
• Know local guidance for boil-water notices and water treatment.
• Have no-flame meal options in case fire use is unsafe.

Indoor alternatives

• Use battery lights instead of candles when possible.
• Use safe indoor-rated heating equipment only according to manufacturer instructions.
• Layer clothing, blankets, and room isolation for warmth.
• Use shelf-stable foods that do not require cooking.
• Keep carbon monoxide alarms working on every level of the home.

First steps

1. Add two lighters, waterproof matches, and a ferro rod to your kit.
2. Pack dry tinder in a waterproof container.
3. Identify where outdoor fire use would be safe and legal near your home.
4. Add a safe no-flame food option for situations when fire is not appropriate.
5. Check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher or water/dirt nearby whenever using outdoor flame.