Lighting a fire is an essential skill for camping, bushcraft practice, or survival situations. While it may seem straightforward, fire starting involves several critical variables. A deeper understanding of these variables makes the process of starting a fire less daunting. One fundamental model that helps explain these variables is the fire triangle.
This article will delve into the fire triangle and how it can help you comprehend the dynamics of fire, making your fire-starting efforts more successful.

What is the Fire Triangle?
The fire triangle is a model used to represent the three crucial components needed to create and sustain a fire: heat, oxygen, and fuel. The triangle shape is used because it visually represents the interdependence of these three elements. Removing any one of these elements will extinguish the fire.

Heat: Spark, Ember, and Flame
Consider a piece of dry wood sitting exposed to the air. Despite being in the presence of oxygen, it does not ignite spontaneously because it lacks the necessary heat. Heat is the initiator that jump-starts the process of combustion, turning the potential energy stored in the wood into a flame.
Sources of Heat
Heat can be introduced in several ways:
Embers from a bow drill
Sparks from a ferrocerium rod
Sunlight focused through a magnifying glass
Flame from a lighter or match
Each of these methods provides the initial heat needed to begin the combustion process. Once a small part of the fuel reaches the right temperature, it can ignite and start a chain reaction.
Oxygen: The Gas Needed for Combustion
The next critical element in the fire triangle is oxygen. The air around us is composed of roughly 21% oxygen, which is sufficient to sustain combustion.
In fire-starting, sometimes additional air is introduced to the fire by:
Blowing on the embers or flame
Fanning the fire
Creating structures that promote airflow, such as teepees or log cabins
While other gases can support combustion, for practical outdoor fire-starting, we rely on the oxygen naturally present in the atmosphere.
Fuel: Tinder, Kindling, and Firewood
Fuel is the material that burns, providing energy for the fire. In an outdoor setting, fuel is generally categorised into three types: tinder, kindling, and firewood.
Tinder
Tinder is the initial fuel that catches the spark and starts the flame. It is typically fine, fluffy material that ignites easily with minimal heat. Examples of tinder include:
Dry grass
Cotton wool
Birch bark
Commercial fire starters
Kindling
Once the tinder is burning, kindling is added. Kindling consists of small sticks or twigs, roughly the size of matchsticks to markers. This intermediate fuel is crucial for building up enough heat to ignite larger pieces of wood.
Firewood
The final stage of fuel is firewood, which consists of larger logs or branches. Firewood sustains the fire over a longer period, providing a consistent and strong heat source.
The Chain Reaction of Combustion
Understanding the fire triangle helps explain the chain reaction of combustion. When heat is applied to fuel, such as wood, the cellulose within the wood undergoes a thermal decomposition called pyrolysis. This process releases flammable gases.
Combustion Process
The gases released from the fuel react with oxygen in the air, resulting in combustion. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The heat generated continues to drive the pyrolysis of additional fuel, maintaining the fire.
Sustaining the Fire
For a fire to continue burning, there must be a balance of all three elements of the fire triangle:
Adequate Heat: To maintain the combustion of fuel
Sufficient Oxygen: To sustain the chemical reaction
Continuous Fuel Supply: To provide energy for the fire
As the fire grows, larger pieces of fuel can be added. A hot bed of coals is particularly effective, as it generates significant heat, sustaining the chain reaction and allowing for the ignition of even larger pieces of wood.
Practical Tips for UKSN Members
To ensure successful fire-starting and maintenance, consider the following practical tips tailored for UKSN members:
Preparation
Practice: Before heading out, practice setting up your fire in a controlled environment. This helps you become familiar with the process and troubleshoot any issues in advance.
Gather Materials: Collect a variety of tinder, kindling, and firewood before attempting to start a fire. This ensures you have all necessary components readily available.
Starting the Fire
Create a Fire Structure: Arrange your tinder, kindling, and firewood in a structure that promotes airflow, such as a teepee or log cabin.
Introduce Heat: Use your preferred method to introduce heat to the tinder. Be patient and gentle, adding kindling gradually to build up the flame.
Maintaining the Fire
Manage Airflow: Ensure there is adequate oxygen flow by occasionally blowing on the fire or adjusting the structure.
Add Fuel Gradually: Add larger pieces of firewood incrementally as the fire grows and the heat increases.
Safety Considerations
Choose a Safe Location: Set up your fire in a safe, open area away from flammable materials and protected from wind.
Extinguish Properly: Always fully extinguish your fire before leaving the site. Use water to douse the flames and stir the ashes to ensure no embers remain.
Conclusion
Understanding the fire triangle is essential for anyone involved in camping, bushcraft, or survival situations. By recognising the importance of heat, oxygen, and fuel, UKSN members can effectively start and maintain fires, ensuring safety and success in their outdoor endeavours. Remember, mastering fire-starting is not just about technique but also about preparation and practice. Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a well-made fire.
very useful and very informative