Five things to help you start a fire when it counts : A tactical approach

How to Start a Fire in Wet Conditions: A Tactical Approach

When you're in the field, a fire is more than just warmth—it's survival. Whether you’re cooking, drying out, or signaling for help, the ability to create fire in adverse conditions can mean the difference between mission success and failure. Wet conditions present a challenge, but with the right mindset, preparation, and tools, starting a fire in the rain or after a downpour is a problem you can solve.

Starting a fire when it is wet is all about preparation.  This guide will walk you through what you need to carry in your backpack or pocket to be ready, the best techniques for starting a fire in wet conditions, and the tactical approach to making sure your fire keeps burning when nature is against you.

Remember that the moisture must evaporate before the wood burns so it takes a lot of work to keep a fire with wet wood burning.  But when you need it, you should know how to do it.

Gear Essentials: What to Pack for Starting a Fire in Wet Conditions

You can’t always control the environment, but you can control your gear. Here’s what you should carry in your pack to ensure you have everything necessary to start a fire, no matter how bad the weather gets.

1. Reliable Fire Starters

   • Plasma Arc Lighter: A plasma arc lighter should be part of every tactical EDC. It’s windproof, rechargeable, and generates extreme heat—enough to ignite even damp materials. This is your first line of defense in a fire-starting mission.
   • Waterproof Matches: Backup is essential. Pack a few waterproof matches, but don’t rely on them alone. They’re great if your lighter fails, but they are single-use and don’t generate the same level of heat.
   • Ferro Rod and Striker: If all else fails, a ferro rod and striker will get the job done. This old-school fire-starting tool works in any weather condition, but you’ll need to make sure your technique is solid. Practice before you’re in the field.
   • Stove fuel: This can be a bit more dangerous depending on the fuel you are running, but your stove fuel is always a good source if you have extra.  Do not add fuel to an already burning fire, this can cause a flare up and cause you to spill burning fuel on yourself or your buddies.  I have chased down a friend with burning clothes, pulling strands of cloth on fire off his body, not a fun time for him.

2. Tinder Sources

   • Dry Tinder: Pack waterproof tinder in a sealed container. Commercial fire-starting tinder like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, or waxed fire starters, will ignite easily, even in wet conditions.
   • Fatwood: This resin-rich wood ignites quickly and burns hot, making it ideal for damp environments. Small pieces of fatwood can catch a spark or flame, providing a sustained burn.
   • Char Cloth: Char cloth is excellent for catching a spark and can be a lifesaver in wet conditions. It’s lightweight and takes up little space in your pack.

3. Fire Accelerants

   • Fire Paste or Gel: Fire accelerants like fire paste or gel can make a huge difference when you’re trying to ignite wet wood. A small tube can be a game-changer.
   • Alcohol Pads: Dual-purpose items like alcohol pads work both as medical supplies and fire starters. They're lightweight, compact, and easy to ignite.

4. Cutting Tools

   • Tactical Knife: A sturdy tactical knife is critical for shaving wood into fine, dry pieces and preparing your fire lay. A knife can also be used to scrape the damp outer layers off sticks to expose the drier wood underneath.
   • Folding Saw: A small folding saw will help you process larger pieces of wood, which can be essential when conditions are wet. Look for dead branches or logs—inside, they might still be dry even if the outside is soaked.
   • Pocket Chainsaw: A short section of chainsaw with nylon handles.  This invention is perhaps the best for larger logs.  You can cut a 12" tree out of the road or for firewood (if your arms hold out).  Not as good for small stuff if you have are running a tent stove with small pieces, but perfect for the truck or horsepack.

Field Techniques: How to Start a Fire in Wet Conditions

When conditions are bad, your fire-starting technique matters as much as your gear. Here’s the tactical approach to starting a fire when everything around you is soaked.

1. Location, Location, Location

   • Cover First: Before you think about starting your fire, find or create cover. Whether it’s a natural overhang, dense tree canopy, or an improvised shelter, getting out of the rain is key. You need to protect your tinder and fire from the elements while you get it started.
   • Elevation Matters: Set up your fire on a dry, elevated surface if possible. If the ground is wet, you’ll lose precious heat into the earth. Use rocks, logs, or build a platform out of dry materials to raise your fire off the wet ground.

2. Gathering and Preparing Wood

   • Look for Deadwood: The best fuel in wet conditions is often found in standing dead trees or branches that have fallen but haven’t absorbed too much moisture. Even if the outside is wet, the inside can still be dry.
   • Shave the Wood: Once you’ve collected your fuel, use your knife to shave the wet outer layers off sticks and logs. The dry wood underneath will catch and burn much more easily.
   • Feather Sticks: Feather sticks are critical in wet conditions. Shave fine curls of wood from your dry pieces to expose as much surface area as possible. These thin curls will catch the flame from your tinder, and burn hot enough to ignite larger pieces.

3. Tinder Strategy

   • Use Dry Tinder: Start with your waterproof tinder or fatwood. If you’re using a plasma arc lighter, ignite the tinder and let it burn for a few seconds to establish a solid flame.
   • Add Small, Dry Kindling: Once your tinder is burning, add small, dry pieces of wood like feather sticks. Build the fire gradually—don’t overwhelm the flame with large, wet logs right away.
   • Keep Feeding It: In wet conditions, your fire will need more attention. Continuously add dry, small pieces of wood to keep the flame strong until the larger fuel catches.

4. Maintaining the Fire

   • Start Small, Build Slowly: Patience is key. Start with small kindling and gradually add larger pieces of wood as the fire grows stronger. Resist the urge to throw on big, wet logs too quickly.
   • Use Larger Logs as a Backstop: Once your fire is burning well, place large, damp logs around the fire to dry out. Once they dry enough, you can feed them into the fire.
   • Protect the Fire: Keep your fire sheltered from wind and rain as much as possible. Use your body, pack, or other equipment to shield the flame while it’s still small and vulnerable.

Mindset: Fire is a Tactical Asset

When it matters, every action has a purpose, and every piece of gear serves a critical function. Fire is no exception. In wet conditions, fire is not a luxury; it’s a tactical asset that can provide warmth, a way to cook, a means of signaling, and an edge in survival.

When starting a fire in adverse conditions:

• Stay calm: Panic leads to mistakes. Assess your surroundings, gather your gear, and work methodically.
• Adapt: If something isn’t working, change your approach. If your tinder is struggling, try different materials or adjust your wind protection. Keep experimenting until the fire takes.
• Prepare for the worst: Wet conditions are one of many challenges you’ll face in the field. Having the right mindset and the right gear means you’re always ready, no matter what nature throws your way.  Wolves sharing your path?  No problem.

Conclusion

Starting a fire in wet conditions is all about preparation and execution. With the right gear in your pack—like a plasma arc lighter, waterproof tinder, and solid cutting tools—and a clear tactical approach, you can turn even the toughest environment into a situation you can control. Remember, fire isn’t just about warmth. It’s about survival, and in the field, every second counts.