Build and manage fires safely in wilderness

Outdoors & NatureBeginnerOutdoor

90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: You'll start fires in wet conditions and maintain them for warmth and cooking.

What you need

Tinder bundleKindlingLarger woodLighter or matchesFire-starting supplies

The 90-Minute Plan

Gather materials strategically0–15 min

Tinder (dry leaves, bark), kindling (pencil-thin twigs), fuel wood (wrist-thick). Gather 3x what you think.

Build tinder bundle15–35 min

Create nest of fine, dry material. Fluff it so oxygen flows. This is the foundation.

Build teepee structure35–55 min

Lean kindling on tinder at 45-degree angle. Leave opening for oxygen. Gradual, not random.

Light and tend carefully55–75 min

Light tinder, blow gently to feed oxygen. Gradually add larger wood. Never leave unattended.

Extinguish fully75–90 min

Drown with water. Mix ashes. Test with hand: should be cool. Unextinguished fires kill ecosystems.

Pro Tip

Respect fire; it's dangerous. Never leave it unattended. Always extinguish fully before leaving.

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: Ability to build and ignite a campfire using matches, a lighter, and friction methods

9,200

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll have the skills to camp safely and comfortably, building confidence in nature.

8,200

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll recognize local birds and appreciate their ecological roles and behaviors.

7,600

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll recognize major constellations and understand celestial mechanics.

7,900

see the plan