Being able to start a fire in a SHTF emergency can mean the difference between life and death if it is cold outside. It can also help keep wild animals away from your camp, help cook your food and much more. But starting a fire in the wild is not always easy. Damp wood, wind and lack of kindling can all conspire to try to keep you from your goal.

Source – My medicine cabinet

NOTE: Without moisturizers is best, this still works but is a little harder to light.

Note, these are silly easy so I am being a little silly with the instructions

Good chance you already have these items in your home

To complete all 3 of these projects you will need the following.

• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline or store brand)
• Cotton Balls
• Jellied Alcohol (hand sanitizer)
• Dryer lint
• Toilet paper cardboard tubes

Petroleum Jelly fire starters

Step 1 – Open the petroleum jelly
Step 2 – Pick up a cotton ball
Step 3 – Rub petroleum jelly on cotton ball
Step 4 – Store the ball in a waterproof container or bag

Benefits –

• Easy to start with a match, lighter or sparks
• Burns much hotter & longer than a plain cotton ball
• Will catch even if they get wet
• Both ingredients are very cheap

Jellied Alcohol fire starter

Step 1 – Pick up the bottle of jellied alcohol
Step 2 – Squirt on your pre-stacked wood
Step 3 – Light with a match, lighter or spark

Benefits –

• Very cheap, most dollar stores carry it 3 small bottles or two larger one for $1
• No prep work to use
• You can use it to clean your hands before eating if need be

Toilet Paper Roll Fire Starters

Step 1 – Pick up a cardboard core
Step 2 – Stuff it full of dryer lint
Step 3 – Store in a sealed container (but not next to your fireplace)

To use, simply remove on, insert it under some wood and light it. It burns hot enough to catch the wood above it.