Trying out methods of starting fire in the jungle

Starting a fire is never an easy task when it is in the jungle. Of course having a lighter and strips of rubber would make life much easier but many times, the materials found in the jungle are usually wet or damp. So, I decided to try out some different methods of starting fire in the jungle, namely the fire saw and a fire striker.

This was my first attempt starting fire using a fire saw in the jungle. Having watch Ray Mears make fire using this method on some of his series on youtube has given me some ideas how it is done. So, I decided to take the opportunity to try it out since there’s an abundance of bamboo around.

I needed dry bamboo. The only ones I could fine nearby are pieces on the opposite river bank. I reckon they were all washed up there when the water level is high. Choosing the driest pieces, I reminded myself to watch out for snakes and other creepy crawlies.

Well, I hate to say it but starting a fire using the fire saw method was unsuccessful. Mr Mears said that it is one of the most reliable means of starting a fire in the jungle but I found it extremely difficult and not to mention tiring. I think I followed his method to the smallest detail and made it as far as generating smoke but I just couldn’t get the amber.

The ‘saw’ groove, smoke but no amber

I tried several more times and finally gave up. Lots of smoke, no amber. Perhaps I need to make the hole through the bamboo bigger the next time around.

Well, I am still determined to start a fire. Then I remembered the ‘Light My Fire Firesteel’ in my minimum kit. So, I made a little bit more tinder by scrapping the bamboo. With that, I continued my ‘fire’ starting experiment.

Sparks flying from my Firesteel

The bamboo tinder catching fire

Fire at last!

Well, I did not manage to start fire using the ‘fire-saw’ method but at least I manage to start a fire using my ‘Light My Fire’ Firesteel with bamboo shavings as tinder. So, it’s a tick for the Firesteel and a question mark still for the fire-saw.