RANGERS
Light my fire
What you'll need
Method 1:
- 100% petroleum jelly
- 100% cotton balls
Method 2:
- Toilet roll tube
- Sawdust or shredded/scrap paper – black and white paper and ink only
- Large sheets of scrap paper
Aim of the activity
Having trouble creating a blazing fire on camp? This will get you thinking about the science behind fire as you try making homemade firelighters and see which one sparks your interest.
Making a camp fire
Before you light your fire, ensure it is set away from any hanging branches or nearby flammable objects. Keep a bucket of water next to your fire in case of an emergency.
Step by step
Having trouble creating a blazing fire on camp? This will get you thinking about the science behind fire as you try making homemade firelighters and see which one sparks your interest.
1
Firelighters are a great way to help get your fire burning. Have a go at making your own using these different methods:
Method one
Knead your cotton ball with the petroleum jelly, making sure you work it in, but not all the way through (you need some dry fibres in the middle). To light this firelighter, place it in the fire bed. Slightly split apart the cotton ball to see the dry fibres and use a match to light these. The petroleum jelly helps keep the flame small but strong, making it a great firelighter.
Method two
Making this firelighter is a little like wrapping a present. Squeeze one end of the toilet roll shut to make a pocket, then fill this pocket with the sawdust or shredded paper. Wrap this all in the large sheet of paper, like a Christmas cracker. To use this firelighter, place it in the fire bed and light one end of the large sheet of paper. This one is great for a bigger fire and to cook over!
2
Now you’ve made some firelighters, next time you build a fire, test them out! Which one works the best for you? Are there any situations you would choose one over the other? For example, the cotton ball firelighter is better in the rain as it won’t get soggy.