Ferro rods throw hot sparks in wind and wet weather - a reliable back-up to matches.
Safety first
Check local fire rules first and never build a fire in dry or windy conditions. Keep water and a shovel close, and never leave a fire unattended.
You will need
Ferro rod and striker
Tinder (small twigs, dry leaves, grass and pine needles)
Kindling (sticks thinner than 1 inch) and larger wood
Water and a shovel
1. Prepare a safe site
Use an existing fire ring if there is one. Stay at least 15 feet from tents, plants and low branches, and clear a 10-foot circle.
2. Gather and sort fuel
Make a loose nest of dry tinder. Keep kindling and larger wood within reach, sorted by size.
3. Throw sparks
Hold the striker still against the rod close to the tinder, then pull the rod back firmly so sparks land in the nest.
4. Feed it gently
Blow softly at the base. Add kindling a little at a time, then larger wood once it catches.
5. Put it out completely
Drown it with water, stir the ashes, drown again, then hold the back of your hand just above the ashes (do not touch them) to check they are cool. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.