Starting a wood-burning stove or fireplace without matches and with only one hand can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here's a method you can try:
Materials needed:
- Firestarter (commercial fire starters or homemade ones like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly or dryer lint soaked in wax)
- Ferrocerium rod (also known as a firesteel or ferro rod)
- Firewood or kindling
Step-by-step process:
Prepare the firestarter: Take the firestarter of your choice (e.g., cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly) and place it near the fireplace or wood stove for easy access.
Position the ferrocerium rod: Hold the ferrocerium rod between your knees, against a stable surface, or find a way to secure it so that it remains stationary.
Hold the striker: With your one hand, grip the striker or a sharp piece of metal, such as a knife, with the edge facing the ferro rod.
Strike the ferrocerium rod: Using a quick and firm motion, slide the striker down the ferro rod to create sparks. The sparks should fall onto the prepared firestarter, igniting it.
Transfer the lit firestarter: Once the firestarter is lit, carefully transfer it to the fireplace or wood stove, ensuring it is placed on top of your kindling or small pieces of firewood.
Add fuel gradually: As the firestarter ignites the kindling, gradually add more firewood or larger pieces of fuel to build up the fire.
Important safety tips:
- Always be cautious when using fire and fire-starting tools. Make sure to practice fire safety and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Ensure that your wood-burning stove or fireplace is clean and free from any debris or ash before starting a fire.
- Use proper fire-resistant gloves when handling hot surfaces or fire-starting tools.
- Never leave a fire unattended, and always fully extinguish it before leaving the area.
Remember, starting a fire without matches and with one hand can be more challenging than traditional methods. If you have the option, it's always best to use standard fire-starting tools such as matches or lighters, which are designed for ease and safety.