Collection: Fire Starters & Matches

The best type of fire starters are the ones that can get your wood fire burning quickly

For anyone who has ever tried starting a fire, you know it takes the proper combination of fuel, oxygen, and heat to get the fire started. Sometimes referred to as the fire triangle, without all three elements: fuel, heat, and oxygen, your fire will never start or stay going properly. If you have ever spent time around a campfire you have probably seen people try and rub two sticks together to start a fire. With the advancements in technology, it no longer has to be that difficult to get a fire burning.

Flame and Fire Starters come in a variety of styles from extra long match sticks to fat wood to wax to gel lighters and include natural kits as well

Northline Express offers a wide array of flame and fire starters. We offer Fatwood fire starters, as well as extra long stick matches, to cast iron and gas fire starters. We also offer carriers, and caddies to hold the Fat wood fire starters. We also carry gel and liquid flame starters as well. Most firewood starters are made of natural materials to help get those flames roaring safely and efficiently.

Firewood starters aren't just for camping anymore, they also work for fireplaces, fire pits, freestanding wood and pellet stoves and more

Fire starters are a handy accessory to have on hand no matter what type of heating appliance you have. They are great for starting up campfires, fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, wood and pellet stoves, and more.

Fire starters are also great to have as part of your emergency kits. Long Stick Matches or fire wood starters can come in handy if your power goes out, or you find yourself broke down with no heat.

Check out all of our fire starters as well as our other fireplace accessories!

FAQ - Fire Starters and Matches

What are the most common fire starters?

The most common types of fire starters are extra long stick matches, Fatwood fire starters, and Safe Lite Fire Starters. These options are tried and true and work every time.

What are fire starters made of?

Fire starters can be made from a variety of materials, depending on their intended use and the method of ignition. Some common materials include:

• Natural materials: These include fatwood, a type of resin-rich wood, and other plant materials like dry grass and leaves.

• Man-made materials: This category includes substances like wax, often used in combination with other materials like dryer lint and egg cartons to create DIY fire starters.

• Chemical compounds: Some fire starters contain chemical elements for high-temperature ignition.

• Mineral oil and alcohol: These are used in liquid fire starters. The typical composition comprises approximately 80-98% mineral oil and about 2-20% alcohol by volume.

• Ferrocium Rods: These are cylindrical rods made from a unique metal composition, used for striking against a rough surface to generate sparks.

The choice of material also affects the performance of the fire starter, including factors like ease of ignition, burn time, and resistance to weather conditions.

What are some natural types of fire starters?

Natural fire starters are substances found in nature that can effectively ignite a fire. Examples include:

• Dry Grass: This material is highly flammable and can easily be found in most outdoor environments.
• Birch Bark: Known for its high oil content, birch bark is a good fire starter that can ignite even when wet.
• Pine Resin: Also known as pitch, this sticky substance is highly combustible and can be collected from pine trees.
• Fatwood: This is resinous wood, usually pine, that contains a high concentration of natural oils. It's notable for its long burn time.
• Char Cloth: This is a piece of fabric, typically cotton, that's been turned into charcoal. It catches a spark very well, making it a great fire starter.
• Linseed Oil: Made from flax seed, linseed oil is highly flammable and can be used to catch damp tinder or wood on fire. However, it should be used sparingly as it burns fast and hot.

These natural fire starters are not only effective but also environmentally friendly, making them a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to make wax and homemade fire starters?

There are common household items that can be used to start fires. It is important to use care and common sense when trying to make your own fire starters. With that being said, creating your own fire starters is a straightforward and cost-effective process. You can use numerous household items to make efficient fire starters. Here's a simple method to create a basic fire starter:

1. Collect Materials: Gather some dryer lint and empty toilet paper rolls. Dryer lint acts as a great combustible material, and the toilet paper roll provides a structure for the fire starter.

2. Assemble: Stuff the dryer lint inside the toilet paper roll. Ensure it's packed tightly but not overstuffed.

3. Use: To use your DIY fire starter, simply light one end. The dryer lint will catch fire easily, and the cardboard roll will help sustain the flame.

Another method involves using wax:

1. Collect Materials: Gather some wax (old candles work great), cotton wicks, and small cups or molds.

2. Prepare Wax: Melt the wax in a microwavable jar.

3. Assemble: Place a cotton wick in each cup or mold, pour the melted wax to cover the bottom layer, and let it cool and harden.

Remember, safety is paramount when making and using fire starters. Always supervise their use to prevent accidental fires.

What are some good ways to store fire starters?

There are several effective methods to store fire starters. Ensuring they remain dry and easily accessible is crucial. Here are a few tips:

• Waterproof Containers: Store fire starters in a waterproof container to protect them from moisture. Items such as watertight plastic boxes or zip-lock bags are excellent choices.

• Tin Boxes: Small tin boxes, like an Altoids tin, provide compact and portable storage. They also offer protection against damage.

• Emergency Kits: Include fire starters in your emergency or survival kits. This ensures you always have a means to start a fire when needed.

• Room Temperature Storage: Store your fire starters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps to preserve their quality and extend their shelf-life.

Lastly, always remember to keep them out of the reach of children for safety reasons.

My wood-burning fireplace has a gas tube sticking into it, what is this pipe for?

This gas tube is commonly known as a gas starter or log lighter. It's a feature found in many wood-burning fireplaces and is designed to make starting your fire simpler and more efficient. The purpose of this pipe is to deliver gas (either natural gas or propane) to your fireplace.

The gas starter consists of a metal pipe, typically made of cast iron or stainless steel, with evenly spaced holes along it. It is usually installed beneath your fireplace grate, so it's below the logs. When ignited, the gas flows out through the holes and lights the wood on fire, eliminating the need for matches or kindling.

This feature provides the best of both worlds: you can enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a real wood fire, with the convenience of a gas fireplace starter. It's important to note that the process of installing a gas starter requires a professionally installed gas line running to the fireplace.

It is recommended to have a certified gas professional or a certified chimney professional check out your log lighter and fireplace prior to using for the first time. Gas leaks are dangerous and can lead to serious health issues and even death.

Where can I go to learn more about Fire Starters and other Wood Burning projects?

Northline Express has created a Resource Center that is full of helpful articles on a variety of fire-related projects and also includes how-to articles to help navigate the installation and product selection processes. Here are a few articles to check out:

• Fire Safety
• Heating with Wood
• How to Cure Firewood
• Fire Starting Tips
  
• Guide to Curing Firewood
• How to Choose a Fireplace Grate
• How to Choose a Fireplace Screen