Fire & Light: Decision Flowchart
Step 1: Assess Fire Conditions
➡️ Are fires allowed in your location?
Yes ➡️ Proceed with fire setup, following all regulations.
No ➡️ Use a stove or alternative heat source.
➡️ Is it too windy or dry for a safe fire?
Yes ➡️ Avoid fire, use a stove, or seek a more sheltered area.
No ➡️ Proceed with fire setup.
➡️ Is dry firewood available?
Yes ➡️ Use proper wood selection (hardwoods for long burns, softwoods for kindling).
No ➡️ Use dry branches still attached to trees, split logs to reach dry core, or rely on a fire-starting kit.
Step 2: Choose a Fire-Starting Method
➡️ Do you have a lighter?
Yes ➡️ Use it as the primary fire-starting method.
No ➡️ Move to the next option.
➡️ Do you have waterproof matches or a ferro rod?
Yes ➡️ Use them with dry tinder.
No ➡️ Try alternative methods (battery & steel wool, magnifying glass).
➡️ Is the environment wet?
Yes ➡️ Use pre-prepared tinder (cotton balls, waxed wood shavings) and split logs to find dry wood.
No ➡️ Proceed with standard fire-building techniques.
Step 3: Choose a Lighting Solution
➡️ Do you need hands-free lighting?
Yes ➡️ Use a headlamp.
No ➡️ Choose a flashlight or lantern based on your needs.
➡️ Is your primary light source working?
Yes ➡️ Ensure you have spare batteries.
No ➡️ Use a backup light source (secondary flashlight, glow sticks).
➡️ Are you in a survival or emergency situation?
Yes ➡️ Use fire for warmth and signaling; conserve battery life on lights.
No ➡️ Manage fire and light efficiently for ongoing use.
This flowchart helps ensure fire & lighting choices are safe, effective, and adaptable to different conditions.
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