If you find yourself in a situation where you need to know how to start a fire with wet wood, don’t worry about it. You can get the job done with a little effort and the right supplies. Even if you already know how to build a campfire, you might need a few tips to deal with building a fire in wet conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation is Key: Gathering the right materials is crucial when starting a fire with wet wood. This includes tinder, kindling, and firestarter material. Tinder can be dry leaves, paper, bark, or cotton, while kindling is typically sticks, twigs, and bark.
- Choosing the Right Site: Avoid fire pits as they may contain water. Look for a site that is free from overhead trees that could drip water onto your fire. You may need to build your fire on a bed of bark or kindling to keep the tinder off the wet ground.
- Building the Fire Structure: Start by constructing a teepee fire lay with dry kindling around the tinder. Then, build a log cabin fire lay around the kindling teepee. This structure allows the wet wood to be dried out and ignited by the heat of the burning teepee.
- Lighting the Fire: Light the kindling at the bottom of the teepee using a match, lighter, or any ignitor. Once lit, continually add more kindling to the fire as it burns, using smaller sticks and twigs at first, then larger pieces when required to keep your fire going.
- Maintaining the Fire: Good airflow is essential for maintaining a fire started with wet wood. Stir the coals to create air gaps, which helps increase airflow. When you add new logs to the fire, stack them in a log cabin structure to help increase the airflow, which will help the wet wood burn quicker and with less smoke.
- Patience and Skill: Starting a fire with wet wood requires patience and skillful construction of a kindling ‘teepee’ and log cabin structure. Remember to maintain good airflow and continually add more kindling to the fire as it burns.
Table of Contents
- How to Start a Fire with Wet Wood
- Steps For Starting A Fire With Wet Wood
- FAQs for Starting A Fire With Wet Wood
- What materials are needed to start a fire with wet wood?
- How should I choose a site to start a fire with wet wood?
- What is the best way to structure a fire with wet wood?
- How do I light a fire with wet wood?
- How do I maintain a fire started with wet wood?
- What are some tips for starting a fire in wet conditions?
How to Start a Fire with Wet Wood
Starting a fire with wet wood involves careful preparation and technique. Here are the steps:
- Select the driest wood available: Look for wood that’s covered or less exposed to the elements.
- Prepare the wood: Use a knife or sharp object to remove the wet bark. Split the wood to expose the drier inner parts.
- Create kindling: Whittle away the wet outer layers to reach drier wood. From this wood, make small shavings or thin sticks.
- Use a tinder bundle: Gather small, dry materials like leaves, pine needles, or paper to help ignite the kindling.
- Assemble your fire: Place the tinder bundle in the center, surround it with your kindling, then gradually add larger pieces of the prepared wood.
- Light the fire: Ignite the tinder with matches or a lighter and blow gently at the base to provide oxygen, which helps fuel the fire.
Steps For Starting A Fire With Wet Wood
Gather your materials
You will need lots of tinder and kindling or firestarter material to burn the wet pieces of firewood.
Tinder is anything that catches fire quickly, like dry leaves, paper, bark, or cotton, or the Uberleben Tinder Wick.
Kindling is halfway between tinder and firewood in terms of how quickly it catches fire — most often it’s sticks, twigs, and bark.
Prepackaged firestarters are a convenient mix of tinder with a fire accelerant, such as wax, pine pitch, or any of various petroleum products.
Pick a Site
You may need to avoid fire pits, as they’ll likely have a puddle of water at the bottom. And look out for trees overhead that can drip water or melted snow on your fire. You may need to build your fire on a bed of bark or kindling to keep the tinder off the wet ground.
Build a Teepee and a Log Cabin
Build a teepee fire lay with the dry kindling around the tinder, with the smaller pieces near the center and the larger pieces at the outside. The idea is to give your fire enough air and space to breathe and not be smothered beneath bigger pieces of wood.
Then you’ll want to use your firewood to build what’s known as a log cabin fire lay (because it looks like a log cabin) around the kindling teepee so that the wet wood is dried out and ignited by being exposed to the heat of the burning teepee after the fire is started. Here again, you want gaps between the wood for airflow.
Building up the wet firewood around the sides and above the kindling and tinder creates a sort of mini ecosystem that helps to get (and keep) your fire going.
When set up correctly, the flame from the kindling will catch onto the wet logs on either side or over the top, drying them out so that they can eventually burn. This technique is beneficial if starting a campfire or bonfire in the rain when dry wood is hard to come by.
Start the Fire
Light the kindling at the bottom of the teepee, using either a match, lighter, or whatever ignitor you have.
Quick Tip: Check out our articles How to Start a Fire Without Matches and How To Refill Butane Lighters
Tend the Fire
Once lit, you’ll need to continually add more kindling to the fire as it burns — using smaller sticks and twigs at first, then larger pieces when required to keep your fire going.
Once the larger logs are burning, you’ll need to add more wet firewood off the sides of the fire to dry it out so it will be ready to burn when the fire starts to get low.
Tip: Building a fire requires the right tools, so be sure to check out our best hatchets for camping and backpacking post.
- BUILT TO LAST! Highest quality power welded forks use non-toxic 18/8 304 stainless steel to ensure easy cleaning, no rusting and safe roasting. Smooth finished wooden handles ensure a steady grip and no more hot handles.
- THE ULTIMATE SMORES MAKER – Let your mouth water after combining your gooey roasted marshmallows to graham crackers and chocolate. Each fork features two perfectly spaced prongs on a strong telescopic arm for maximum control, preventing marshmallows, hot dogs, and veggies from easily spinning on the fork when cooking.
- SAFE FOR KIDS – Keep your children a safe 32 inches away from any fire while they enjoy a fun time with family. Plus, no more fighting! Multi-colored handle tips make identification easy – No more fighting about which stick belongs to who!
- EASY CLEANING & STORAGE – Cleaning is as easy as keeping the fork tips in some warm water for 15 minutes and then gently removing any residue with soap and a sponge. Retracting fork design and zippered heat-resistant canvas pouch are convenient for long camping trips or storing at home.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS – Best Marshmallow Roasting Sticks for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love.
- DAZZLING FIRE SHOW: Whether you and your family are camping at the lake or sitting around a fire pit in your backyard, you can create a rainbow of colorful magic dancing flames with just one Party Flame fire changing color packets. You can be sure that these little packets will make your campfire dazzling in the dark.
- SIMPLE & EASY TO USE: Each box contains 10 high-quality packets, these fire color packets are simple and safe to use. All you need to do is to throw in 1 to 2 unopened fire color packets in the already burning flames and sit back and enjoy the color changing flames.
- CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVES: Those who love to be a part of fireworks, bonfires or sitting around a campfire with family or friends, must try this cool camping stuff. Try our campfire color flame packets no matter what season of the year you choose to light your campfire or fire pit, our fire changing color packets are perfect fire pit accessories for any occasion
- PERFECT BONFIRE ACCESSORIES: This color fire magic packet is suitable for outdoor fires like bonfires, campfires and fire pits but it can also be used when you are sitting close to your indoor fireplaces during cold winter nights. When using for indoor fireplaces, make sure the room has plenty of adequate ventilation.
- FUN FOR ALL: The colored flames of a camp fire or fire pit give a spectacular view that is loved by all. Whether you are a grown up or a kid, everyone loves to witness the magic flames created by Party Flame fire color changing packets. Perfect addition to your kids camping gear.
- Howling Moon Books (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 91 Pages – 05/22/2020 (Publication Date) – Bazaar Encounters, LLC (Publisher)
- 10-POUND BOX OF BILLY BUCKSKIN FATWOOD – Get a generous 10-pound box of premium Billy Buckskin fatwood fire starter sticks, providing you with a dependable supply for all your fire-starting needs. Each stick is around 8 inches long, with a thickness ranging from 0.3 to 1.25 inches—ideal for quick, efficient ignition. Simply use 2-3 sticks per fire to enjoy a strong, consistent flame, whether for fireplaces, fire pits, or woodstoves. This ample box of fatwood ensures you’re always prepared with an eco-friendly, hassle-free fire-starting solution.
- HIGH-RESIN FATWOOD FIRE STARTER – Our premium fatwood is expertly sourced from high-resin pine stumps, providing an unmatched, fast-lighting flame that eliminates the mess of kindling and minimizes soot buildup. Enjoy a robust, clean-burning fire with a naturally aromatic fragrance, ideal for creating a cozy ambiance indoors or adding warmth and charm to outdoor fire pits and campfires. Perfect for fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, and camping, this eco-friendly fire starter offers a sustainable, hassle-free way to ignite fires anytime, anywhere.
- CHEMICAL FREE & PURE 100% ALL NATURAL FATWOOD FIRE STARTERS – Experience the natural power of Billy Buckskin’s premium fatwood sticks, harvested from naturally fallen pine stumps in the lush Mexican jungles. Completely free from artificial chemicals, these fire starters offer a clean, eco-friendly ignition for woodstoves, fireplaces, fire pits, and camping. Ignite fires effortlessly with this pure, unaltered alternative that harnesses the strength of nature for reliable, sustainable fire-starting every time.
- SIMPLE, RELIABLE AND READY TO IGNITE – Effortlessly start your fire with Billy Buckskin firewood starter logs. Just place 2-3 logs among your kindling, light one, and let the fire naturally spread with minimal effort. For larger pieces, simply hold a match in place for a moment to activate the rich resin, sparking an efficient, sustained flame. Perfect for woodstoves, fireplaces, and fire pits, Billy Buckskin fatwood ensures a quick, hassle-free fire-starting experience every time.
- BURNS IN ALL WEATHER – Count on Billy Buckskin fatwood to spark a fire in any weather. With an exceptionally high resin content, these fatwood sticks ignite easily—even when wet—making them the dependable choice for every setting. Whether you’re lighting a cozy campfire in snowy conditions or firing up the grill in summer heat, Billy Buckskin fatwood delivers consistent, reliable performance. Embrace fire-starting confidence in all seasons with Billy Buckskin.
Maintain Airflow
Remember that good airflow not only helps the fire burn hotter, which is essential with wet wood, but it also helps reduce the smoke produced by the fire.
So, once the initial log structure burns and collapses, you should stir the coals to create air gaps, which helps increase airflow.
And when you add new logs to the fire, make sure you are stacking them in a log cabin structure to help increase the airflow… which will help the wet wood burn quicker and with less smoke.
With some patience and skillful construction of a kindling ‘teepee’ and log cabin structure, you should have no trouble starting a fire with wet wood.
FAQs for Starting A Fire With Wet Wood
What materials are needed to start a fire with wet wood?
To start a fire with wet wood, you will need lots of tinder and kindling or firestarter material. Tinder can be anything that catches fire quickly, like dry leaves, paper, bark, or cotton. Kindling is usually sticks, twigs, and bark. Prepackaged firestarters are a convenient mix of tinder with a fire accelerant, such as wax, pine pitch, or petroleum products.
How should I choose a site to start a fire with wet wood?
Avoid fire pits as they may have a puddle of water at the bottom. Also, look out for trees overhead that can drip water or melted snow on your fire. You may need to build your fire on a bed of bark or kindling to keep the tinder off the wet ground.
What is the best way to structure a fire with wet wood?
Start by building a teepee fire lay with the dry kindling around the tinder. Then, use your firewood to build a log cabin fire lay around the kindling teepee. This structure allows the wet wood to be dried out and ignited by the heat of the burning teepee.
How do I light a fire with wet wood?
Light the kindling at the bottom of the teepee using a match, lighter, or any ignitor you have. Once lit, you’ll need to continually add more kindling to the fire as it burns, using smaller sticks and twigs at first and larger pieces when necessary to keep the fire going.
How do I maintain a fire started with wet wood?
Good airflow is crucial for maintaining a fire started with wet wood. Stir the coals to create air gaps, which helps increase airflow. When you add new logs to the fire, stack them in a log cabin structure to help improve the airflow, which will help the wet wood burn quicker and with less smoke.
What are some tips for starting a fire in wet conditions?
Patience and skillfully constructing a kindling ‘teepee’ and log cabin structure are key. Remember to maintain good airflow and add more kindling to the fire as it burns. Also, be sure to have the right tools for building a fire.
- BUILT TO LAST! Highest quality power welded forks use non-toxic 18/8 304 stainless steel to ensure easy cleaning, no rusting and safe roasting. Smooth finished wooden handles ensure a steady grip and no more hot handles.
- THE ULTIMATE SMORES MAKER – Let your mouth water after combining your gooey roasted marshmallows to graham crackers and chocolate. Each fork features two perfectly spaced prongs on a strong telescopic arm for maximum control, preventing marshmallows, hot dogs, and veggies from easily spinning on the fork when cooking.
- SAFE FOR KIDS – Keep your children a safe 32 inches away from any fire while they enjoy a fun time with family. Plus, no more fighting! Multi-colored handle tips make identification easy – No more fighting about which stick belongs to who!
- EASY CLEANING & STORAGE – Cleaning is as easy as keeping the fork tips in some warm water for 15 minutes and then gently removing any residue with soap and a sponge. Retracting fork design and zippered heat-resistant canvas pouch are convenient for long camping trips or storing at home.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS – Best Marshmallow Roasting Sticks for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love.
- DAZZLING FIRE SHOW: Whether you and your family are camping at the lake or sitting around a fire pit in your backyard, you can create a rainbow of colorful magic dancing flames with just one Party Flame fire changing color packets. You can be sure that these little packets will make your campfire dazzling in the dark.
- SIMPLE & EASY TO USE: Each box contains 10 high-quality packets, these fire color packets are simple and safe to use. All you need to do is to throw in 1 to 2 unopened fire color packets in the already burning flames and sit back and enjoy the color changing flames.
- CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVES: Those who love to be a part of fireworks, bonfires or sitting around a campfire with family or friends, must try this cool camping stuff. Try our campfire color flame packets no matter what season of the year you choose to light your campfire or fire pit, our fire changing color packets are perfect fire pit accessories for any occasion
- PERFECT BONFIRE ACCESSORIES: This color fire magic packet is suitable for outdoor fires like bonfires, campfires and fire pits but it can also be used when you are sitting close to your indoor fireplaces during cold winter nights. When using for indoor fireplaces, make sure the room has plenty of adequate ventilation.
- FUN FOR ALL: The colored flames of a camp fire or fire pit give a spectacular view that is loved by all. Whether you are a grown up or a kid, everyone loves to witness the magic flames created by Party Flame fire color changing packets. Perfect addition to your kids camping gear.
- Howling Moon Books (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 91 Pages – 05/22/2020 (Publication Date) – Bazaar Encounters, LLC (Publisher)
- 10-POUND BOX OF BILLY BUCKSKIN FATWOOD – Get a generous 10-pound box of premium Billy Buckskin fatwood fire starter sticks, providing you with a dependable supply for all your fire-starting needs. Each stick is around 8 inches long, with a thickness ranging from 0.3 to 1.25 inches—ideal for quick, efficient ignition. Simply use 2-3 sticks per fire to enjoy a strong, consistent flame, whether for fireplaces, fire pits, or woodstoves. This ample box of fatwood ensures you’re always prepared with an eco-friendly, hassle-free fire-starting solution.
- HIGH-RESIN FATWOOD FIRE STARTER – Our premium fatwood is expertly sourced from high-resin pine stumps, providing an unmatched, fast-lighting flame that eliminates the mess of kindling and minimizes soot buildup. Enjoy a robust, clean-burning fire with a naturally aromatic fragrance, ideal for creating a cozy ambiance indoors or adding warmth and charm to outdoor fire pits and campfires. Perfect for fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, and camping, this eco-friendly fire starter offers a sustainable, hassle-free way to ignite fires anytime, anywhere.
- CHEMICAL FREE & PURE 100% ALL NATURAL FATWOOD FIRE STARTERS – Experience the natural power of Billy Buckskin’s premium fatwood sticks, harvested from naturally fallen pine stumps in the lush Mexican jungles. Completely free from artificial chemicals, these fire starters offer a clean, eco-friendly ignition for woodstoves, fireplaces, fire pits, and camping. Ignite fires effortlessly with this pure, unaltered alternative that harnesses the strength of nature for reliable, sustainable fire-starting every time.
- SIMPLE, RELIABLE AND READY TO IGNITE – Effortlessly start your fire with Billy Buckskin firewood starter logs. Just place 2-3 logs among your kindling, light one, and let the fire naturally spread with minimal effort. For larger pieces, simply hold a match in place for a moment to activate the rich resin, sparking an efficient, sustained flame. Perfect for woodstoves, fireplaces, and fire pits, Billy Buckskin fatwood ensures a quick, hassle-free fire-starting experience every time.
- BURNS IN ALL WEATHER – Count on Billy Buckskin fatwood to spark a fire in any weather. With an exceptionally high resin content, these fatwood sticks ignite easily—even when wet—making them the dependable choice for every setting. Whether you’re lighting a cozy campfire in snowy conditions or firing up the grill in summer heat, Billy Buckskin fatwood delivers consistent, reliable performance. Embrace fire-starting confidence in all seasons with Billy Buckskin.
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