10 Best Natural Tinder Fungi to Find in the Forest and How to Use Them

Whether you’re lost and frozen in the wild, or just need help starting a fire, these natural tinder options are the way to go.

In this video from YouTube channel AlfieAesthetics, you will learn about some of the common firefighting methods that can be found in the forest and how they can be used most effectively. If you need to make a fire in the forest, pay attention to the following points:

  1. Western Red Cedar Bark : The bark of this tree is rough and fibrous in texture. Scrape off some of the fibers with a knife and tie them together for kindling.
  2. Birch Bark: Birch bark is flammable and waterproof. You can scrape it off with your fingers and light or scrape the birch “dust” off the bark to help another firelighter.
  3. Charcoal Mushroom: These small blackish, brownish lumps live on stumps and logs and act like charcoal. Cut them so they lie flat, lightweight, and stick them into a dry grass nest.
  4. Pine cones: crush them with your hands until you have a pile of fine dust and pine cone fragments, then sprinkle sparks on it.
  5. Tinder Fungus: This aptly named bracket fungus lives on tree trunks like a parasite. Remove it from the tree, scrape off the skin, and light it.
  6. Fireweed: It has purple flowers and forms a cotton substance that can be used for tinder. Collect as much as possible and it will light up almost instantly.
  7. Thistle Seeds: Like fireweed, thistle seeds produce cotton-like substances that you can harvest before or after they bloom. Collect a hefty handful and give her a spark.
  8. Punkwood: Dead rotting wood with little or no structural integrity. You can find it on the forest floor.
  9. Chips: With the right tools, you can cut almost any wood into thin, dry pieces that can catch on fire if you’re persistent enough.
  10. Dead Grass: Abundant and easily visible dead grass makes great tinder if it is dry enough.

If you can find any of these natural colorants, all you need is a spark source (such as a ferrocerium rod or flame retardant steel) and a pair of healthy lungs. Keep in mind, however, that not every forest in the world has all of these options, but you can probably always find a few.

10 Ways to Start a Fire – Natural Tinder | Youtube

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