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Q: What's the best fuel for starting a fire with no match?

A: Look for dry branches under thick trees. Fuel pieces should be between 8 and 24 inches long.

­If you have a fireplace in your home, chances are you have a gas line that helps you get it going. If you don't, you probably have some nifty long matches, a lighter and a stack of newspaper on the hearth. But what if you got lost in the wintry woods without a match or lighter? What if you washed ashore on a deserted island, soaked to the bone? You may not think so, but it could happen to you -- just ask Tom Hanks. His movie character used wits and determination to survive in "Castaway."

­Along with shelter and water, fire is the most important thing you need to survive in the wilderness. It provides the following:

  • Warmth in cold conditions
  • A means to purify water or sterilize tools
  • Heat to dry wet clothes
  • A cooking flame
  • A sense of security and comfort
  • Smoke for rescue signals
  • Heat to melt snow and ice for drinking water
  • A means to scare away dangerous animals
  • Light for your shelter or for torches
  • Smoke to help repel insects
1950s campfire scene.
Lambert/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The campfire these sportsmen built is really top-notch
and aces for cooking food.

There are many methods you can use to start a fire without a match. Some are easier than others, and they all require a bit of practice. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, it's a good idea to practice some of these techniques when you go camping. It can help build your confidence in the great outdoors -- and it's a lot of fun.

Emergency Fire Kit
­This article deals with the basics of starting a fire without conventional means. But if you're an avid camper or hiker, you should put together an emergency fire kit and keep it in your backpack at all times.

The first thing you need in your kit is a variety of lighting tools. Waterproof and windproof matches are essential. You should probably spend some money on a good weatherproof lighter and throw a few standard lighters in for good measure. There are a host of flint tools that create a spark for getting your tinder lit that make a great addition to your kit. You can find them in any camping outfitter store. Here's another trick -- get a pack of Fourth of July sparklers, cut off the stems and toss them in your kit. They create a nice long spark that can light even wet tinder.­

­Super fine steel wool and a short length of jute rope are also smart additions. They both can be used as tinder and the rope can be unwound to last longer. Another thing you can add is a magnifying glass. This can be used with the sun to create a hot spot that will ignite tinder. Disassemble it and include only the lens to save space. Finally, put a tube of petroleum jelly lip balm in your kit. You can use this on your tinder to make it burn hotter and longer.

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In this article, we'll look at the various methods you can use to start a fire without a match. We'll also fill you in on the best wood to collect and the optimum placement of your survival fire.