Pine Cone Fire Starter

Using pine cones as fire starters can be an effective and natural way to ignite a fire. Here’s a simple guide on how to make pine cone fire starters:

Materials:

• Pine cones (dry ones work best)
• Wax (paraffin or old candles)
• Double boiler or a makeshift one (a small pot placed inside a larger one with water)
• String or twine (optional)
• Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions:

• Collect Dry Pine Cones:
  • Gather pine cones from the ground or purchase them. Make sure they are dry, as damp pine cones can be challenging to ignite.
• Melt Wax:
  • Use a double boiler or create one by placing a smaller pot inside a larger one with water. Melt the wax in the smaller pot. If you’re using old candles, remove any wicks or debris.
• Add Fragrance (Optional):
  • If you want scented fire starters, add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax. Stir well to distribute the fragrance.
• Dip or Coat Pine Cones:
  • Use tongs or a fork to dip each pine cone into the melted wax. Alternatively, you can use a brush to coat the pine cones with wax. Make sure to cover the cone thoroughly.
• Let Excess Wax Drip Off:
  • Hold the coated pine cone above the wax pot for a few moments to allow excess wax to drip off.
• Place on Parchment Paper:
  • Set the wax-coated pine cones on a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden. Make sure they don’t touch each other during this process.
• Optional: Add String (Handle):
  • Before the wax completely hardens, you can attach a string or twine to the pine cone to make it easier to handle and light. Simply tie the string around the base of the cone.
• Store:
  • Once the wax has hardened, store the pine cone fire starters in a cool, dry place. They can be stored in a basket or container near your fireplace or camping gear.

To use the pine cone fire starter, place it in your fireplace or fire pit, and ignite it like you would with any fire starter. The wax-coated pine cone will burn, providing a flame to help ignite the rest of your firewood. Additionally, the wax helps the fire starter burn longer than a regular pine cone would on its own.

Try this fire start on your next trip to Terre Haute Campground!