Fire Sources

In case of a long term Power Outage we need to be able to have heat for warming ourselves and for cooking.  A very simple way to provide heat is with fire.  It may seem simple, but what if we don't have wood for that fire?  In some areas wood is plentiful and can be obtained for fuel, while in others it is very scarce.  Many of us take a daily newspaper.  We can easily make NEWSPAPER LOGS which can take the place of wood.  Four newspaper logs burn approximately 1 hour and produce heat comparable to the same amount of wood on a pound-per-pound basis.  One way to make them is as follows:  Take 8 sheets of newspaper...folded in half lengthwise (just on the natural fold).....and alternate each with the fold on either side.  (One facing up and the next down, etc.).  Do this six times.  Take the first set of 8 and roll tightly around a dowel.  Add the next set (alternating the fold) before you reach the end and continue rolling.  Continue until all six sets are rolled together.  Tie around ends and middle with wire and remove dowel.  Will store for 20 years.  Keep dry.

Another way to start a fire is with a product called Insta-Fire.  It is made up of volcanic rock, wood pellets, oil and wax.  It will start a fire without the use of kindling.  It can be used to light charcoal briquettes, dry out wet wood, works on snow and in wind.  It can be used as a stand-alone fire.  Fill a zippable plastic bag with Insta-Fire and if an emergency arises you will be prepared to start a fire for warmth and light.  You can boil water and cook with it.  Once Insta-Fire is burning, it has been shown to burn in winds upward of 30mph.  Because of the wax, it can even get wet and still be lit.  Once it is put out, you can relight it if desired, making it very economical.  If you are hiking or snowmobiling, etc. take a baggie full with you in your pocket or backpack.  If you get stuck, you will be able to provide heat.  This is a perfect product to have in your emergency storage.  Pour about a couple cups of the fire starter into zippable plastic bags and place in your 72 hour kits, in your cars, in your backpacks. One cup of Insta-Fire will boil 2 cups of water in 10 minutes.  It will light 75 briquettes in 10 minutes.  Two cups will burn as a stand-alone fire for approximately 45 minutes with occasional stirring.  Long term storage is estimated at approximately 30 years.  Because it is non-combustible and stores easily, there is no limit to the amount that can be stored, unlike other fuels.  The norm is at least one bucket per person per year.  However, you will need more if it is the sole source for heat AND cooking.

Lint from the clothes dryer is another way to start a fire.  Instead of throwing out the lint from the lint trap, collect it and store it in plastic bags.

You need to make sure that you have a way to start the fire!  It won't do you any good to have the fuel if you don't have a way to start them burning!  The most common fire starters are:  Matches - waterproof is a good idea, Butane lighters - get a good one with extra fuel, and Flint & Steel - generates sparks three times the heat of a standard match.