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Thread: One Log Fire Challenge

  1. #1
    Native Marvell's Avatar
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    One Log Fire Challenge

    Here's one I use on longer courses for those who have really like fire. It's designed to teach people about fire lighting and fire management.

    Take a dead (not rotten) log, about a foot long and about three inches across and burn it to nothing whilst still making it last as long as possible.

    You do it with only a knife and a sparker. No external tinder and no other fuel or kit.

    The method basically involves breaking it down a bit, feathering bits and getting the fire lit and then lighting the rest.

    Yes, you could match stick it all, but it would not last long. But equally, you could make bits too thick and it either not light all through or not all of it burn to ash.

    It's a fun, repeatable challenge. Have a go.

    Maybe do it with a mate at the same time and see which one can make theirs last longest.
    Steve Marvell
    Professional Survival Instructor
    Blog: Survival's Cool also available on Facebook

  2. #2
    Native Shewie's Avatar
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    I like it, I'll try to remember to time it when I have a go.

  3. #3
    Moderator & Poshcrafter™ Martin's Avatar
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    Sounds like a fun idea. We'll have to try this one at a future meet.

    Martin
    Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

  4. #4
    Tribesman paul standley's Avatar
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    Hey Marvell,

    That's a challenge, a good one for a solo winter camp when you need to keep busy to keep warm.

    Good on you for being in the RNLI.

    My father in law and a couple of my brother in laws used to be on the lifeboat out of Appledore years ago...respect...

    Paul.
    Last edited by paul standley; 04-02-2011 at 08:01 PM.
    Don't sweat the small stuff - and it's ALL small stuff...!

  5. #5
    That is like a task that I had to do on a woodsmoke course,we were given a log about the same size and one match plus a litre of water, the task was to boil the litre of water useing only the log and the one match of course we also had a container for the water, it was a very interesting challenge and taught you how to prepare and look after your fire it is a good task to practice.
    Learn a little, Enjoy a lot.

    http://buzzardbushcraft.blogspot.com/

  6. #6
    Peasant
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    Might have to do this at the weekend (if I've got enough daylight) instead of my bow-drill plan.

    Can I use a batton?

    Would it be cheating to use silver birch (comes with tinder)?

    Won't be seeing how long I can make it last though, I'll be using it to make a bigger fire as I want the warmth during the night and for it to still be alight in the morning - denying me a brew in the morning is a BAD idea lol.

  7. #7
    Tribal Elder Metal mug's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Martin View Post
    Sounds like a fun idea. We'll have to try this one at a future meet.

    Martin
    Will there be a prize? - I know a log!

  8. #8
    im going to give that a go next time im away ..

  9. #9
    Samuel Hearne paulthefish2009's Avatar
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    that's a great challenge. it's so wet round here at the moment that I think I would struggle to find anything dry enough though. Paul

  10. #10
    Ranger OakAshandThorn's Avatar
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    Same here. It was snowing for awhile yesterday, and then it turned into rain. Now everything is a slushy mess...
    My blog, New England Bushcraft

    "Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."
    ~ Abraham Lincoln

    "Be prepared, not scared."
    ~ Cody Lundin

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