How to Start a Fire in Wet Conditions

Here I go over some tips and tricks for starting a fire when it's wet, or starting a fire at all! How to find dry wood, what to use as a fire starter, and some things you can keep in your backpack to help you out.
Thank you for your views, comments, and support!
Winter:
Brooke Whipple
PO Box 281
Reed City, MI 49677
My Instagram: / girlinthewoodz
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[@maxzhu56]

Better than other wet condition fire videos. You really show us step by step, not just talk through it.

[@SoundlessScream]

I like you're being your natural strange self and having fun, you also talk about the nature around you with an educated park ranger-ey-ness that reminds me of the nature books from the 70's my parents would show me. Thanks for making this video, I enjoyed it.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@davekibbey7944]

That's the same thing my dad would say back when I was a kid and he was showing me how to build a campfire. "Were not outa the woods yet." Thanks for bringing back a fond memory.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

lol yep

[@mikecuddihey2037]

I got a fire goin' in the rain last year. Impressed everybody on the lake.

[@riseabovehatesfrance]

Mike Cuddihey lol

[@brendanward5751]

The. Whitest man alive

[@mikecuddihey2037]

@@brendanward5751 Thanks?

[@EXKKK]

Help me plz!!!

[@mikecuddihey2037]

@@professionalrepublican9722 Tonight, we're settin' the woods on fire. Hank Williams, Sr., as I recall.

[@paulthomas975]

One thing that I learned by operating a giant 4 story Neptune Furnace with 7 zones and hearths of which we used either Natural Gas or Diesel Fuel to initially start the burn of concentrated human waste in Advanced Wastewater Plant is that : If you blow down on a fire it will smoke like hell. If you raise the fire level up like you did on branches or even bark the air gets under the fire and will let fire hot and almost non smoking. However even though I have fairly good knowledge of where to find dry wood, I have a hell of a time getting fire going in a rain down pour. Had to make small shelter to keep rain off fire area. Even with all the right stuff and fire starter equipment it is still hard getting fire going in rain. Your video helped me out very much and I now carry special stuff with me everywhere I go land is always in one of our cars for those emergencies. Thank You!

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

Nice~ Thanks much for watching!

[@quinnwarman5139]

And the ladys out ther remember tampons or sanitary pads work exsellent too as fire starters

[@jummyjello9326]

What how

[@pseudonamed]

tampons yes, it's basically just cotton, but pads normally have plastic and glue on the back.

[@crossbow3539]

Quinn Warman what for starting a bush fire

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Good advice. I especially like the part where you recommend folks carry fire lighting assists with them in their pack etc. I light almost all my fires using local found natural materials but I still think it is a good idea to have an ace up the sleeve so to speak by carrying some man made fire starting assists. Even though I am very confident in my local found, natural materials, fire starting skills, I still carry fire starting assists because you never know when an emergency hits and you need a fire quick and do not have the time to mess around spending the amount of time that it takes to get a fire going from natural local materials.

[@thomasmusso1147]

ABSOLUTELY 👍. Always have a Plan B and even a Plan C,, depending on circumstances.

[@littlebull8881]

I agree Lonnie

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

Thanks Lonnie. I've been caught without both a lighter/ferro rod, and materials to start a fire when natural materials weren't at hand or it was dark. Lesson learned! Now I carry multiples of everything on my person and in my pack! Thanks for watching!

[@dospalmascb]

Birch smells amazing. These older videos of yours are fantastic Brooke. Thank you.

[@mikecuddihey2037]

Another thing I've noticed is that the inside of a log always stays dry regardless. Split it into kindling-sized pieces, and you end up with numerous dry faces-- and there's your firewood. Dead, brown evergreen needles still on the branch also like to burn even when wet. Shake the water off and prop it up between showers if possible to give it more of a chance to dry out a bit.

[@eddiekilfedder8354]

I always carry cotton wool soaked in vaseline or as they call it across the pond petroleum jelly or even a lip blam which gives a burn time of 3 to 4 minutes total live saver in wet conditions , hope this helps

[@Swimdeep]

Nicely done👍🏼 First time viewer and you got my sub. Your storyteller way in an instructional video was very engaging. Despite knowing how to start a fire when it’s wet, I watched to the end.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

wow thanks much and welcome!

[@sharonmariejohnson2578]

Great tips to have if you get in a crisis or just want to go camping I love learning these skills from you. Thanks Brooke :)

[@PurpleHaze929]

You just never know if you will be stranded somewhere & knowing this gives me confidence. Knowledge is power. Thank you.

[@jasonh5266]

The best video I’ve seen about fire starting - straight to the point, lots of useful information, and showing different methods of starting a fire. Thanks a bunch!

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

You and your hubby are amazing!!! Blessings to you and your family 😇 🇺🇸

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thank you!

[@maverickSTC]

Great video. Subject well presented and I learned something new, which is rare for me these days.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Nice Brooke, I am up in the ADK now. Had to light a fire the other day to boil water, super wet windy conditions. Got done using all stops. One note use a larger lighter rather than a small one. When it’s cold it’s hart to uses small lighter. I used many tools and got it going.

[@ArkElementStudios]

I absolutely love watching these kind of videos, especially this one. I now go to your channel most of the time, you really help share these amazing tips and tricks and it's just what I am hoping to stick around with when I get out there often.

[@melissab405]

Ok. I am going to try again. Tried today for over an hour. Rained all week here pretty wet😮 I got this now with these tips. 😊 thanks

[@smokinggar714]

another great fire you can get out of your home is: the LINT the comes out of your dryer while at home drop some wax onto your lint and put into a plastic bag in joy

[@alicins908]

Yeah put that in a toilet paper roll and you’ve got a fire starting kit

[@0Y0L]

Soak the cotton balls in vaseline and it can burn around 2 minutes. Use chapstick or lip balm if you have too but make sure it's really in there.

[@blackskull8440]

Or fire lighters🤷🏻‍♂️ burn for longer

[@patrickholland6848]

I use the vaseline soaked cotton balls also, works really well.

[@iAmDakotaKitteh]

These work really well :3

[@Julian-bq9qv]

*you always bring a smile to my day. thank you*

[@northwoodsrat6686]

Great tips here to add to our inventory of fire building tricks ; thanks again Brooke !

[@doug9418]

Everything you shouldn't be without. Great suggestions, great video, God Bless you and your family have a great day 🇺🇸

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thanks!!

[@smsgtbulldog]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us. Always appreciated

[@markgreer6921]

Fatwood is good also ur enthusiasm and excitement is awesome and puts a smile on my face

[@sharonroyle2232]

Great tips, I can’t wait to try them out.

[@Myn6211]

Excellent pointers Brooke. Thanks for making this video.

[@davebloggs]

cotton balls and vaseline i have lots in many locations pockets packs even in the bottom or my water bottle carrier. if i dont have many ways to light a fire its like hiking naked.

[@graceiovine3080]

Great demo...🔥

[@stellalush4547]

I FRIKKEN LOVE THIS GIRL... Everything about her is real, and BEAUTIFUL.

[@chevybill1833]

Good info Brooke! Like the way you did several different ways to start a fire!

[@michelejonjock5910]

Absolutely great information. I'm huge on wanting to be a prepper. This is very informative. Thanks so much for showing natural ways to get things up and going

[@domcabal3793]

I really enjoyed your video. You are very animated and pleasant to watch. In your words, "Its great to HAVE a lighter". Thank you!

[@TheSeanocasey]

I watched a few fire starter videos before this one. This is the best one. I like this woman. She made starting a fire interesting and simple. She has a personality.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thank you!

[@jencorea8748]

Omg your little kit … oh blow my mind…incredibly excellent ❤️ Northern hemisphere sister … go the fire … everywhere. Sacred ♥️

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

Thanks for sharing. I thought I knew how to start a fire in the damp, but it was good to have it confirmed. Thanks!

[@aubreymaxam7465]

I've had to go as far as split the wood open to get dry wood to get fire started. Oh the fun of being outdoors. I love it!

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

yes I forgot my hatchet was going to show that

[@jeremymock9686]

You can tell a lady is a true outdoors person when she is wearing her wedding ring in the woods. Thanks for the great video.

[@gosmoothgolight6285]

Great advice, Brooke! Thanks for sharing ... definitely one area where having multiple ways to start a fire is essential :) God Bless

[@woodyscabin]

Lov this. All of it. Haha. I use the same tins for same things+. This is the best, most peaceful entertainment around.

[@heatherjones4786]

Excellent video thank you!

[@kellwng]

Good show Red, and its always good to see Maisy

[@danvsjeep8062]

I really love this video. I have always been good in the woods. But this took me outside myself, and reminded me of things I forgot. Thank you so much. Permanent subscriber :)

[@jeremyb.1977]

Great tips Brooke! - Jeremy

[@semco72057]

You have plenty there to start a fire and you are so smart and know what to look for and I hope others who may not know remember this information. It helps if you have some material which you collected before the rain and will use it to get a fire started. That is where a special bag comes in handy just to keep dry material to start a fire with in.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thanks for watching!

[@Uniquelyyours1]

Great advice, Brooke. Loved your vid:)

[@aimlesslyrunning5127]

I love the ideas presented here, I usually create an open teepee and have a bundle down in the center that I'll take a tiny piece of journal paper to ignite it. taking cedar, birch and cotton balls would make things much easier ty!

[@user-cl9xk9mi9o]

Great reminder of basics!

[@graceaubin5922]

Thank you sm you help a lot bc u give multiple ways to do it indifferent scenarios so thank you ❤️ 🙏

[@markgreer6921]

Pine sap works good also

[@gstokely7]

A great video and good advice for fire starting. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesleochen7816]

Good job,love this video

[@cabinlife2347]

That was great Brooke - I was watching you so closely, because I'm a newbie to fire starting, and as a matter of coincidence I was recently challenged to start a fire on my own, using a ferro rod - rain or shine. I hope you don't mind me relaying my story. Last Wednesday, during our live stream, I rose to the challenge, and wouldn't you know it - the rain started a few hours before I was to do the challenge ... so, there I was - in the pouring rain, in the dark, in the woods, unassisted by Glenn (my hubby), who is very good at starting fires, and showed me how to do it - (I just got complacent and always let him start our fires). Today, I was so excited to see that you gathered your material the same way I did. Woo Hoo. I even set wood on the wet ground just as you did ... then the birch bark, etc. We always carry oil and cotton in our day pack ... I had to use some of it because the rain was just relentless. I did this during our Live Stream, with everyone watching .. Glenn was giving a "play by play" , like a "David Attenborough nature watch (no pressure LOL). My materials were sooo wet from the rain - they snapped, but the outer layer was wet, and the rain didn't help. It took over an hour to get the fire started with the ferro rod, and to the point that it was self sustaining. I dare say that you would have been proud of me, if you had been watching - as I had never started a fire before, ever - let alone in the rain, live in front of an audience. The viewers were cheering me on - it was so cool (literally LOL). I love watching your videos, and your "Alone" episodes - this is so cool, we actually set up our fires the same way. Woo hoo. Gotta love it. :) Thanks for being such a great role model to other women. Take care - Maureen - the Ol' Gal living in the forest, who finally knows how to start a fire.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

I absolutely love your pluck Maureen! You did it, and will only get better. Yeah I think that's it for a lot of women, they just let their husbands/man/boyfriend do it, so it's nice to finally have the skill for yourself! Great job!!

[@cabinlife2347]

@@therealgirlinthewoods Yes - that was me - man starts fire - woman gets food ready. All fine and dandy until he gets injured. :( But now I got it. Thanks. Have a great day Brooke. :)

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

you're awesome :)

[@kjonesy4142]

Love seeing what you're up to! 🍁🍂🍂👍

[@DonnaConrady]

Amazing woman . . . awesome video :)) Thanks Brooke!

[@charitypetry576]

Omg this worked Soo well,thank you so much!

[@michellehill4148]

Just got two suggestions on how to start a fire in wet conditions just now. Saw one was from you and picked it right away! Hadn't seen this one before, and thanks it was useful advice!

[@genkiferal7178]

Decent idea. I'd rather have one of those water-tight containers used by swimmers or scuba divers (surfers, whatever water sports) to hold their wallet and keys in. It's tiny, but those small plastic canisters that film come in are awesome and you might get extras from a professional photographer. Get as many as you can. you'll find uses for them all.

[@ObservantSeedsower]

Just stumbled onto this channel for the first time and thought I would tip my hat to you. Very practical. New subscriber.

[@susannepatriot6264]

One is none and two is one. Always, always have a backup and a back up to the back up. I carry a lighter, a fero rod, birch bark, and even a small butane torch. Thanks for the video.

[@andreapecoraro6972]

Oh, dear Girl in the Woods! What a wonderful video! Seeing yourself doing it seems easy. I noticed your kit and I saw that you have an orange lighter just like mine. The video is also explanatory. Thanks for sharing. Bye Bye . . .

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thank you!

[@b2dauphine]

This is so neat! Merci beaucoup.

[@zenotaphium]

Accidentally came across this channel few min ago and insta loved it, great videos so far, best of luck in development of this one, you got a new follower for sure

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

cool thanks and welcome!

[@lanejohnson2353]

Thanks for the instructive video! The more one knows about this necessary priority the better. The snap of branches is a simple but very good point to remember. I never thought of it! So that's one thing I got today from your video. Your method is well taken. I am still trying to find time to teach my wife to use a ferro rod. Take care and keep enjoying the wilderness. Lane

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

great thanks Lane!

[@myralawson4543]

This was so helpful!! I’ve never been in a position that I Had to start a fire but if I do I’m ready after watching this! 😉

[@pattytaylor2425]

That was great!! I love to go camping. I'm retired and watching your videos for tips! Thank you for the excellent lessons!

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

cool thanks!

[@sandrabrooks8785]

Thanks for that info. Great information on how to start a fire. 🔥

[@huntresssnow3669]

Omg I just found your channel. Super excited!! You and other female survivalist have inspired me to love the woods (even with asthma 😧)

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

cool advice. Always need to know the basics... Cheers ......Kev

[@woodslore4672]

One Tea Light Candle with that Foil thing removed fits in an Altoids tin .Good for wet Kindling. Good Vid Brook.🔥

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

good idea

[@rootlady5934]

VERY HELPFUL SISTER!❤

[@millerman692]

Great job with practical advice.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thanks

[@jesikaway1259]

Ok so what I've figured out by watching videos about making a fire is that I need go back and take the course on trees before I can do anything useful

[@indigowulf]

I'm dying at how adorable you are. You have such an open, honest, and genuine glow, and your smile could keep your friends warm. I did want to mention, you have the best fire starter doing circles around you.. my long hair dogs always have loose fluff I could pull off and use as starter tinder if I don't have a fire starter with me.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

well she certainly has a lot of it! lol thanks

[@genkiferal7178]

omg, that is TRUE!! My German shepherd's undercoat was so hard to get wet during a doggie bath and would stay dry when the outside fur was really wet.

[@texasgrayman3492]

New sub from Texas! This video was great! Love the doggo as well. Going camping this weekend in the wet and this has helped. You rock!

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

awesome thanks and welcome!

[@genkiferal7178]

there are freedom cells in TX. many are sprouting up in a few states.

[@raharu000]

This lady is awesome.

[@Fjall-Anders]

I myself have a break in the adventure when I am in Covid. But just watched your video. You really get the urge to go out again💥😉🙂

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

get well soon!

[@elizabethcerna15]

Well done...THANK ya🌸

[@steveschilt7942]

❤️ Good advise.

[@Jaze2022]

Thank you for making this video. I was creeped out by some of your enthusiasm or close up camera angles (not sure which it was). But I have to say this was one of the better presented videos on this subject. Thanks again!

[@raj.iitr005]

Awesome 👍

[@TressaZimmerman]

So cool thanks so much. Take care.

[@jameyhenderson7271]

That was awesome. First video 4 me. I subscribed. Love ur sense of humor. Keep it up. Thank u.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thanks much and welcome!

[@dennisfisher7640]

Thank you because you rocks 💜💜

[@juliewood6513]

Thanks brooke your video was amazing an very helpful.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thanks Julie!

[@laurieboykenriley5874]

You are awsome. Love every thing you do

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

thanks laurie!

[@georgeclair1609]

I see the bark river is gettin some love ! Careful about laying it down , would be a heartbreaker to loose it !

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Good video good information Brooke

[@username-mc7jw]

I learned that you're the first *honest* survivalist I have seen willing to acknowledge the importance of carrying a lighter!!! One tip I will pass on is to buy a lighter with the piezoelectric igniter, such as the BIC electronic series. The reason for this suggestion has to do with moisture. Say your bag gets wet, or you take a dunk crossing a river. A flint-based lighter won't light again until it gets dried out, often an hour or more later. The electronic lighters will continue to light, even after taking a swim. I carry at least one of each in my pack.

[@nathana5549]

One thing you can do is use friction to dry the little Ferro rod inside of the lighter Hold the wheel to a piece of wood and drag it back and forth until you see sparks again!

[@angelakm6753]

Excellent - thanks

[@believeliveloveandlaugh3844]

Good explanation.

[@phyllismulkey3778]

great demo

[@DeclanTate1789]

thank you for this

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

Great video Solid info You do seem more happy and beautiful since last year Keep it up!

[@techobsessed1]

I've never been able to find a birch when I need them in the mountains around here, but pitch is always easy to find and it works well to get a fire started in wet conditions.

[@henrygarza8018]

Vaseline rubbed into the cotton is really good. 👍 I use my small aspirin bottle as the holder.

[@richardhyser666]

For that emergency. Take some Gorilla tape. Twist it into a wick. Get that lit you're good to go quickly. Birch bark and Cedar bark. Girl in the woods you are awesome.

[@oferbechor1579]

THANK YOU

[@claybarrel]

Great video, loved you on Alone. Many of the places I backpack here in Ohio don't have birch trees, so it was great to see some alternative ideas to get fire started. My fires in the winter are so hit or miss, I can't pinpoint my issue, sometimes I get a big huge roaring fire, and sometimes I can't get them to last 20 mins... weird, guess more practice is needed!

[@toomuffled]

Probably moisture content of your fuel.

[@toomuffled]

Omg. I was not familiar with birch bark as it didn't grow in my area. Last summer I camped in an area with birch bark. Lol, that stuff is insane! Great vid. Shows how patience and prep is so important.

[@genkiferal7178]

in the deep south, one possibility might be Spanish moss - if it is dry. I remember it catching fire quickly