What is the proper way to start a fire?

Here are some tips for starting a fire properly:

1. Gather your materials: You will need tinder (small, dry materials like twigs, leaves, or paper), kindling (larger sticks or small pieces of wood), and fuel wood (larger pieces of wood).

2. Create a fire bed: Clear an area of debris and make a small bed of rocks, dirt, or sand to contain the fire.

3. Arrange your materials: Place the tinder in the center of the fire bed and build a tepee or log cabin structure with the kindling around it. Leave space for air to circulate.

4. Light the fire: Use a fire starter like matches, a lighter, or a fire starter stick to ignite the tinder. Blow gently on the flames to help them grow.

5. Add fuel: Once the fire is burning well, gradually add larger pieces of fuel wood to keep it going.

6. Maintain the fire: Keep an eye on the fire and add more fuel as needed. Use a poker or stick to move around the wood and keep the fire burning evenly.

7. Put out the fire safely: When you are done with the fire, make sure it is completely extinguished by pouring water over the embers and stirring them with a stick until they are cool to the touch.