Making a fire in the survival camp: How to survive in the wilderness!

Making a fire in the survival camp: How to survive in the wilderness!

In rural Wense, in the Peine district, Stefan Winkler's survival camp has reopened its doors. The basics of survival in the wilderness are taught here and making fire is particularly interesting. “Fire is not only a source of heat and light, but also an indispensable tool for preparing food,” explains Winkler, whose knowledge is based on experience, literature and his time in the Bundeswehr. At this location, participants can take day and weekend courses to learn important skills that they can use in the outdoors. The goal is clear: to survive independently in the wilderness.

Particular attention is paid to the different methods that are suitable for making fire. Winkler shows how important it is to familiarize yourself with alternative techniques. “The quickest and most familiar methods, such as lighters or matches, are not always available, so it is essential to master other options,” he says. The tools required for these techniques include firesteel and more unusual materials such as tampons and children's chocolate. The latter can be used in combination with a battery to generate fire, which is a surprising finding for many course participants.

Variety of fire methods

There are many different methods for making fire. An effective technique is to use a fire steel that works well in wet conditions and is durable. This involves pulling a piece of steel along a special scraper, creating sparks that can cause highly flammable materials such as tampons to burn, known in survival courses as the “Nebergh method”. Birch bark is another excellent source of tinder. “The bark can start a fire with little effort, and in spring you can even use the tree sap,” explains Winkler.

• Methoden zum Feuermachen:
• Feuerstahl und Tampon
• Batterie und Kinderschokolade
• Birkenrinde und Birkenholz

Winkler also emphasizes the importance of the right location for a fire: It should be protected from the wind and away from flammable material. There are also different types of wood that can be used. Soft wood ignites more easily, while hardwood has a longer burn time. The ability to master these different techniques requires patience and practice, but safety and respect for nature are of the utmost importance.

Experience and spice of adventure

A 55-year-old outdoor enthusiast from Cologne highlights the joy and feeling of independence that making fire brings: “It's not just a question of survival, but it also gives you a feeling of adventure.” He points to the modern technology that supports the basics of firemaking, from chemical fire starters to magnifying glasses or parabolic mirrors that focus sunrays to ignite tinder.

For survival camp participants, it is a valuable opportunity to learn skills that will equip them not only for their next hiking tours, but also for everyday life. The need to always carry certain materials, such as tampons and batteries, represents a new dimension to the outdoor experience that is often overlooked.

In conclusion, making fire is not only an essential skill in bushcraft and outdoor adventure, but can also be combined with fun and a healthy dose of adventure. “With a little practice, anyone can learn to master fire – and that is the be-all and end-all for good survival in nature,” emphasizes Winkler and invites you to take part.