Light the way: Must-have firestarters for emergencies

06/11/2025 / By HRS Editors

Fire is a survival necessity. It provides warmth and cooks food in emergencies.
Reliable firestarters are crucial. Matches and lighters can fail, so experts recommend ferro rods and magnesium blocks as durable, weatherproof alternatives.
Ferro rods create sparks when scraped, and they work in wet conditions and last for thousands of strikes. Magnesium blocks burn extremely hot, making them ideal for damp environments.
Include waterproof matches, stormproof lighters and emergency tinder in your firestarting kit.
Always observe fire safety rules. By mastering multiple fire-starting methods and practicing safety, you’ll be prepared for emergencies in the wild or at home. Redundancy and skill save lives.

When it comes to survival and emergency preparedness, few skills are as vital as the ability to start a fire. Fire provides warmth, cooks food, purifies water, signals for help and boosts morale in dire situations.

While matches and lighters are common go-to tools, they have limitations. Matches can get wet and lighters can run out of fuel. That’s why seasoned survivalists and preppers recommend including multiple types of firestarters in your emergency kit.

Read on to learn more about the best fire-starting tools to keep on hand, how to use them effectively and key safety tips to remember. (h/t to BackdoorSurvival.com)

Two main types of firestarters

There are two main types of firestarters: ferro rod and magnesium block style firestarters.

Ferro rod firestarters

A ferrocerium rod (often called a “ferro rod”) is a compact, reliable firestarter that produces hot sparks when struck with a metal scraper.

These rods come in different sizes. Thicker and longer rods last longer, providing hundreds or even thousands of strikes.

How to use ferro rods:

Gather dry tinder, such as leaves, bark or commercial fire-starting material.
Hold your ferro rod near the tinder and scrape the striker down its length to create sparks.
Once the tinder catches, gently blow on it and add more fuel to build the fire.

Benefits of using ferro rods:

Ferro rods work in wet conditions and at high altitudes.
They don’t need fuel or batteries.
Ferro rods are durable and long-lasting.

Magnesium block firestarters

Magnesium blocks are another excellent option, especially in damp conditions. These starters consist of a block of magnesium that burns extremely hot, and a ferro rod attached to the side.

How to use magnesium block firestarters:

Shave off a small pile of magnesium flakes onto dry tinder.
Use the attached striker to ignite the ferro rod and direct sparks onto the magnesium. The magnesium will catch quickly, producing intense heat to ignite the surrounding tinder.

Benefits of using magnesium block firestarters:

Magnesium burns at over 5,000 F, making it highly effective even in wet environments.
It is compact and lightweight.
Magnesium block starters work when other methods fail.

Other firestarting tools to consider

While ferro rods and magnesium blocks are top choices, redundancy is key in survival situations.

Here’s a checklist of additional fire-making tools to include in your kit:

Disposable lighters (cheap and easy to stash in multiple places)
Electric arc lighters (battery-powered, best for short-term survival)
Flint and steel (old-school but reliable)
Stormproof lighter (wind-resistant and refillable)
Waterproof matches (stored in a sealed container)

Emergency tinder options

Even the best firestarter won’t help without good tinder. (Related: 28 Underrated prepping items that could save your life in an emergency.)

When preparing your firestarting kit, consider packing:

Commercial fire-starting cubes (weather-resistant and easy to use)
Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly (burns long and hot)
Dryer lint (lightweight and flammable)

How to start a campfire safely

Firestarting isn’t just about having the right tools, it’s also about using the proper technique.

Follow these steps for a successful campfire:

Start by gathering your fuel:

Tinder – Small, dry materials, such as leaves, grass, or paper.
Kindling – Twigs and small sticks.
Firewood – Larger logs to sustain the flame.

Next, build the fire structure:

Log cabin method – Stack wood in a square formation for better airflow.
Teepee method – Arrange kindling in a cone shape over tinder.

Light the tinder:

Use your preferred firestarter to ignite the tinder.
Shield the flame from the wind, if necessary.

Maintain the fire:

Gradually add kindling, then larger pieces of firewood.
Monitor the fire and keep it at a manageable size.

Always extinguish the fire properly:

Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and repeat until the ashes are cold to the touch.

Fire safety: A critical reminder

Fires can save lives, but they can also destroy them if mishandled.

Follow these crucial fire safety rules:

Check for fire bans before starting a fire in the wild.
Use established fire rings when possible.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Wear non-flammable clothing and avoid loose synthetic fabrics.

A well-stocked survival kit should include multiple fire-starting methods to ensure you’re ready for any scenario. Ferro rods and magnesium blocks are among the most reliable, but backups like waterproof matches and stormproof lighters add extra security.

By mastering firestarting techniques and practicing fire safety, you’ll be better equipped to handle emergencies. Prepare before SHTF and never underestimate the power of a good fire.

Where to get firestarters for your survival kit

The Health Ranger Store is committed to helping you prepare for any emergency. That’s why we’re proud to introduce an assortment of reliable firestarters for your prepping and survival kits, such as the Uberleben FIREKIT, Hexa Original Fire Starter and Black Beard Fire Plugs – Fire Starter Tinder.

The Uberleben FIREKIT contains everything you need in one small package. It is the perfect fire redundancy to keep in every vehicle, backpack and EDC load-out.

The Uberleben FIREKIT includes:

Hexa Minimal Fire Starter (3/8″ thick)
New AmbiStriker (coated carbon steel)
Tindar Tipi Baltic Birch Kindling (three-minute burn)
Tindar Wick & Bellow
Steel Slider Box
EDPM Rubber Band (long burn time)

The Hexa Original Fire Starter includes the proprietary Sanft-korr ferro with a hexagonal profile with six flat sides for more surface contact. This is crucial because more surface contact means more molten ferrocerium thrown whenever you need it.

The Hexa Original Fire Starter has a flat profile design for greater control and greater efficiency. It works at any altitude and in any weather, even when wet.

Lastly, use Black Beard Fire Plugs – Fire Starter Tinder to light a fire anytime, anywhere.

Black Beard Fire Plugs are reliable and convenient fire starter tinder. They are proudly made in the USA from eco-friendly, non-toxic and odorless materials.

These waterproof and windproof fire plugs ensure quick and easy ignition, even in harsh weather conditions.

Black Beard Fire Plugs are long-lasting, with an eight-minute burn time from just one plug. The plugs have a 30-year shelf life for reliable performance.

Lightweight and compact, each bag contains 50 fire plugs weighing only 4.5 ounces, making them perfect for camping, hiking, emergencies and bug-out bags.

Black Beard Fire Plugs are easy to use. Simply bend, break and light. They don’t require messy chemicals or complicated firestarting methods. They are also safe and responsible.

Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more prepping products for your survival kit. You can also check out Preparedness.news for more tips on how to prepare for different emergencies.

Click on this link for the Ultimate Prepper Gear Checklist for outdoor survival.

Watch this clip about UHMWPE Braided Cord and Bug Spray, two must-haves for your survival kit.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.