by Rex Trulove

Created on: May 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 14, 2010

Having taught wilderness survival and from being a long time camper in all seasons, I can say that having a good but safe way to start a fire is important for the best camping experience and for survival. At times, it may mean the difference between life and death.

It should come as no surprise to people that dousing a bunch of wood with gasoline or kerosene then lighting a match to it, isn't a wise way of starting a fire. Besides being dangerous, it often won't work since it doesn't sustain heat long enough, particularly with damp wood. There is great news, though.

Making fire starters is very cheap, very easy, and it can be done in about a half hour, providing you with a very easy way to start a fire out in camp without a great deal of preparation. Best of all, the fire starters are waterproof and will help start a fire even in a rainstorm or snowstorm. In fact, these can be given as gifts for family and anyone you know who is traveling through forest country or going camping.

You will need:

1 pound paraffin, the sort sold for canning purposes
newspaper
Scissors, a paper cutter, or similar
String
A double boiler or a pot and a coffee can
Kitchen tongs

First, cut the newspaper in 3" strips. This can be done in either direction, but top to bottom is better than widthwise. Roll these tightly, adding more strips as needed until the roll is about 1" in diameter, and then tie with string to prevent the rolls from unraveling. It usually takes about 10 or 15 minutes to make about a dozen of these.

Next, heat the paraffin just until fluid.

NOTE: Paraffin is flammable and has a low flash point. Don't heat directly over the burner, and never should you leave the melting paraffin unattended.

Heating in a double boiler with the bottom containing water, and putting the paraffin in the top, or filling a pot partly full of water, placing a coffee can into the water bath, and placing the paraffin into the coffee can is a great way to heat the paraffin. Heat until the paraffin is fluid, then one at a time, dip the paper rolls into the wax, holding each roll under for a minute or two, then holding it up out of the wet wax until it starts to turn solid.

Another warning...the wax is hot. Use tongs to hold the paper under and to pull it out.

Allow the rolls to cool completely. Once the rolls have completely cooled, place them in zip-lock baggies. Paraffin can melt in the heat of summer, and the baggies help protect things that might be stored near the rolls. It also makes

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