If you're ever stuck with the
dilemma of lighting a
fire in damp environment, remembering my trusty formula may just save you. I'd
volunteered for
Scouts Canada as a Cub leader when I was in my teens and learned this trick during a very
damp summer.
Aerosol cans of
insect repellent work best (and are probably the most handy) as
DEET is highly
flammable, however
hairspray and
deodorant are okay to use as well.
1. Arrange your wood and
newspaper/
sticks/
leaves as you would if you were to
light a fire under normal circumstances
2.
Light your
lighter. Matches do not offer a constant
flame and are not recommended.
3. Depress the can's trigger and
dispense its contents in the direction of the wood
4. Move your hand with the lit lighter into the path of the aerosol can's spray and allow
miracles of
chemistry to take hold.
You should now be wielding a torch.
5. Ensure that your new
torch is aimed at the wet wood, concentrating on the leaves/sticks/newspaper, although be sure to apply flamage to your large logs once the
tinder has been lit.
6.
Repeat as necessary and with a little perseverance, you too will have yourself a roaring campfire to the complete dismay of everyone around you.
Please note that
aerosols are highly flammable and this should not be tried unless you are a
confident little
firebug.