How to Safely Contain and Handle Fire in a SHFT Situation
Fire is one of the most useful and dangerous elements in a survival scenario. It can provide warmth, light, cooking, signaling, and protection, but it can also cause injuries, damage, and destruction. In a SHFT (Shit Hits the Fan) situation, when the normal order of society collapses and resources are scarce, fire safety becomes even more important. Here are some tips on how to safely contain and handle fire in a SHFT situation:
- Choose a suitable location for your fire. Avoid areas with dry grass, leaves, or other flammable materials that could catch fire easily. Also avoid areas with strong winds that could blow sparks or embers to other places. Look for a clear, flat, and stable spot that is away from your shelter, food storage, and water source.
- Prepare a fire pit or ring. Dig a shallow hole or use rocks, bricks, or metal to create a circle around your fire spot. This will help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. Make sure the fire pit or ring is large enough to accommodate the size of your fire.
- Gather appropriate fuel for your fire. Use dry wood, twigs, branches, or other natural materials that burn well. Avoid using wet, green, or rotten wood, as they will produce more smoke and less heat. Also avoid using treated wood, plastic, rubber, or other synthetic materials, as they will release toxic fumes when burned.
- Start your fire with a spark or flame. Use matches, lighters, flint and steel, magnifying glass, or other fire-starting tools to ignite your fuel. If you don’t have any of these tools, you can try rubbing two sticks together or using a bow drill to create friction heat. Once you have a small flame, add more fuel gradually until you have a steady fire.
- Maintain your fire with care. Keep an eye on your fire and don’t leave it unattended. Add more fuel as needed to keep it burning at a moderate level. Don’t make your fire too big or too small, as it could either get out of control or die out quickly. Use a metal container or pot to boil water or cook food over your fire. Don’t throw anything into your fire that could explode, melt, or create sparks.
- Extinguish your fire completely when you are done. Don’t rely on water alone to put out your fire, as it could create steam that could burn you or leave hot coals that could reignite later. Use dirt, sand, or ash to smother your fire and cover it with rocks or metal. Stir the ashes and check for any signs of heat or smoke. Make sure your fire is cold and dead before you leave it.
