Fire can be both a blessing and a curse. Just like anything dangerous it must be utilized properly and handled responsibly. When used properly it will keep you warm on a cold frozen night, heat your food and boil your water making it safe to drink. However used in an inappropriate manner then it becomes a great danger to you and many others.
First I will state I have a healthy respect for fire. My uncle died in a fire in his home. I have personally witnessed a neighbours house catch fire and rushed to their aid. I actually managed to get them out of their home and get the fire out before to much damage could be done thanks to a fire extinguisher, a well placed hose and a bit of luck. I have had family members lose everything they own due to fire. I have started fires without using matches or lighters and generally when camping I can start a fire faster than any of those with me.
This post is actually just a bit of a precursor to a series that will be coming up in the near future. We will discuss various methods of starting fires, what you can carry with you to make starting them easier. Proper methods of putting out fires safely and of course what to do when fire gets out of control and threatens your life.
Currently here in Oregon there are wild fires raging across the state. Brave men and women sign up every year to fight these fires in the wild. It was not long ago that several hotshots (forest fire fighters) in Arizona were killed in such blazes. Please if you do go camping and have a fire make sure that you fully extinguish your fires. If you are driving down the road DO NOT throw that cigarette out the window. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen this reckless behaviour start fires. It is a hot and dry time of year across much of our great country and it does not take much to start a blazing inferno that can easily take lives.
Remember the most useful tool for any survival situation is between your ears. Use your brain and be smart when it comes to fire.
Stay safe.
prep4theworst 