This is one of those forgotten skills that everybody should have. The ability to start a fire without using matches or a lighter. Here are some tried and tested techniques that can be fun to try

Using Friction.
We all know that rubbing things together makes them warm up and if you have ever watched any of the excellent Ray Mears Bushcraft TV series you will have seen Ray use a variety of friction based techniques. But be warned, the friction based technique can be enormously hard work. But you’ll find that making fire using these basic bushcraft techniques can be enormously satisfying.

Basically, you need two pieces of wood, one to act as the fireboard and the other as the spindle. It is important that the wood is completely bone dry. You need to make a tinder nest from dry grass, wood shavings or other material that catches fire easily (I like cotton wool).

Cut a V shaped notch into the edge of your board and place a piece of bark underneath to catch the burning ember. Make another indentation at the point of the V for the tip of your spindle. You can spin your spindle, which should be about two feet long, using a bow made with string and a bent piece of bendy wood. Loop the bow string around the spindle, place the tip in the indentation and spin the spindle with the bow while applying light pressure (I like to use a flat pebble to push on the end). Hopefully you will soon see wisps of smoke coming from your fireboard as it heats up due to friction. Once you see a glowing ember push this onto a piece of bark and transfer to your tinder nest. Then gently blow onto your tinder nest to turn the embers into fire.

Fire Sticks
Once upon a time people would carry a piece of high carbon steel and flint to make fire. Striking the steel with the flint will create a spark. These days you can find excellent firesteels consisting of a high carbon steel rod and hardened steel striker. You can also use the steel blade of a knife.
As for all the other techniques, you will need a dry tinder nest for your spark, but this method will not wear you out like the friction based method.

Using the Sun
We’ve all used magnifying glasses to scorch things as children. This is another relatively easy way to make fire, if it’s sunny. However, we don’t all carry magnifying glasses with us wherever we go. You might have a pair of spectacles that you could use, or even a condom filled with water.

Using Electricity
This is a great way to demonstrate to children the power and the danger of electricity. For this one you will need a battery and some steel wool. The best batteries to use for this are the 9V variety. By rubbing the battery contacts on the steel wool it will heat up and begin to burn. Transfer your burning steel wool to your bone dry tinder nest and blow to start the fire. Hey presto, you’ve got a fire!

These firemaking techniques are great to try out when you are next on a family camping trip. Why not include a few fire-making tools with your camping equipment and let your children have a go. But be sure to take plenty of warm outdoor clothing because you might be a little chilly without a fire.