The fire triangle (also known as the combustion triangle) is a simple model for understanding the chemical reaction which must occur to create a fire. It is composed of three elements – fuel, heat and oxygen – which must all be present for a fire to ignite.
The fuel for a fire is usually characterized by its moisture content, size, shape and quantity and this will determine how easily the fuel will burn and at what te
mperature. In addition to a fuel source, heat must be present in order for ignition to take place. Heat is also responsible for the spread and maintenance of fire as it removes the moisture from nearby fuel, warming the surrounding area and pre-heating fuel in its path, enabling it to travel and develop with greater ease. As well as fuel and heat, fires also need oxygen to ignite and stay alight. When the fuel burns, it reacts with the oxygen to release heat and generate combustion.
Listed below are tools to help making fire efficiently under adverse conditions. In addition to these tools you will find that in many cases you will need to add materials that act as fire accelerants to achieve combustion. See the fire accelerants page.
Ferrocerium Rods (Ferro Rods)
(from Wikipedia) A ferrocerium rod is manufactured with a synthetic pyrophoric alloy that produces hot sparks that can reach temperatures of 3,000 °C (5,430 °F) when rapidly oxidized by the process of striking. The resulting sparks are used to ignite fire starting tinder or other flammable fuels such as denatured alcohol which is used in Trangia stoves. For instructions on the use of a ferro rod visit the Fire Starting Methods page.
Buy 5-star rated 1/2 x 6 inch Ferro Rods at Amazon.com
Pocket Bellows
The pocket bellows is a tiny tool that aids in starting fires in less than ideal situations where adding oxygen without burning your face or hair is a good thing. It compresses and focuses extra oxygen into the heart of the fire or tinder. We found one that is made in the USA by a veteran owned company. It is very small ( 3 3/4″ x 1/2″ collapsed ), very light and extends to 19″. It is constructed from brass and stainless steel therefore highly rust resistant. You can buy one here on Amazon for under $15. One customer review on Amazon reads “” NOTE: Read the warnings and precautions included in the package such as DO NOT INHALE! They also offer a “Fire Triangle Kit” that includes the pocket bellows, ferro rod with striker and fire starter “tinder torches”.