Make this effective firemaking kit: A special section from the Bend Bulletin

The ability to build a survival fire for warming, light or signalling can be critical during a wilderness emergency. Here are some proven techniques from the Bulletin Winter Survival Guide.
by Leon Pantenburg

Click  to buy survival kits

In October, 2007, The Bend (OR) Bulletin published a special winter survival guide for Central Oregon, which I researched and wrote.

Being able to make a quick campfire under survival conditions can save your life. (Pantenburg photo)

There was a real need for practical survival information at the time. In November, 2006, veteran snowmobiler Roger Rouse, 53, of Bend, died of hypothermia in Deschutes National Forest, about 10 miles west of Bend. He and his son had intended to only be out for a morning ride when a fierce snowstorm overwhelmed them. (To read the complete story, click here.)
Less than a month later, in December 2006, Californian James Kim, 35, died in the Rogue River Wilderness after leaving his wife and children to get help. The family car was stuck in snow on a remote road. (To see Larry King’s coverage of the Kim tragedy, click here.)
Shortly after the Kim tragedy, I was asked to research, write and put together a practical winter survival guide. Long story short, the next fall, the Bulletin published the guide. It received some awards and a lot of attention.
The Bulletin is publishing the three-part series as a public service, and this week's section features emergency firemaking. Check out Part Two.
For more survival gear information, click on making your own survival kits!

Sign up for our Email Newsletter