Starting a Fire with Paper: A Simple Method

← Campfire Management | Campfire Ignition and Maintenance

Quick answer

• Gather dry paper, tinder, kindling, and fuel wood.
• Tear paper into strips or a loose ball.
• Place tinder and paper in the center of your fire pit.
• Light the paper with a match or lighter.
• Gently blow on the flame to help it catch the tinder.
• Add kindling as the paper burns, then larger fuel wood.
• Always have water and a shovel nearby.
• Never leave a fire unattended.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about striking a match, there are a few crucial things to check. This isn’t just about making a fire; it’s about doing it safely and legally.

• Land manager / legality

Who manages the land you’re on? Is it National Forest, BLM, a State Park, or private property? Each has its own rules about fires. Get the lowdown from the official agency managing the area. A quick website check or call can save you a headache.

• Access/road conditions

Can your vehicle actually get to your intended spot? Some fire rings are right off the highway, others are deep in the backcountry. Know if you need 4WD, high clearance, or if conditions like mud or snow might be a problem. Don’t get stuck miles from anywhere.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind

This is a biggie. Fire bans are common, especially in dry seasons. Check the current fire danger level and any burn restrictions for the specific area. Also, check the weather forecast. High winds are a fire’s best friend – and your worst enemy. Don’t start a fire if it’s too windy.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace)

Got water? You need a reliable way to put your fire out completely. Think a few gallons of water, not just a small bottle. And what about trash? Pack it in, pack it out. This includes any paper you used for your fire. Leave No Trace principles are key here.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms)

Be aware of your surroundings. Know what wildlife is common in the area. Make sure you’re not too far from help if an emergency happens. Cell service can be spotty, so consider a satellite communication device for remote trips.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Here’s how to get that paper fire going, the right way.

1. Choose your spot.

• What to do: Find a designated fire ring or pit. If none exists, clear a 10-foot diameter circle down to bare mineral soil.
• What “good” looks like: A safe, clear area away from overhanging branches, tents, and dry grass.
• Common mistake: Building a fire too close to flammable materials. Avoid this by always clearing a wide berth around your fire pit.

2. Gather your materials.

• What to do: Collect dry paper (like old newspapers or junk mail), very fine, dry tinder (birch bark shavings, cotton balls with petroleum jelly, or commercial fire starters), small dry twigs (pencil-lead size), medium dry sticks (finger size), and larger fuel wood.
• What “good” looks like: A good pile of each size, all bone dry. Paper is your easy starter, but tinder is what truly catches the spark.
• Common mistake: Using damp or green wood. Avoid this by only collecting wood that snaps cleanly when broken; soft, bendy wood won’t burn well.

3. Prepare the paper.

• What to do: Tear your paper into strips or crumple it loosely into a ball. Don’t pack it too tight.
• What “good” looks like: The paper has plenty of air pockets. This helps it catch fire quickly and burn efficiently.
• Common mistake: Balling the paper too tightly. Avoid this by keeping it airy so oxygen can get to the flame.

4. Build the fire lay.

• What to do: Place your tinder in the center of the fire pit. Arrange the prepared paper around and on top of the tinder, creating a nest.
• What “good” looks like: The tinder is snug and protected, with the paper ready to ignite and transfer the flame.
• Common mistake: Burying the tinder too deep. Avoid this by ensuring the tinder is exposed enough to be easily lit.

5. Add kindling.

• What to do: Lean your smallest, driest twigs (kindling) around the paper nest, creating a teepee or log cabin structure. Leave gaps for air.
• What “good” looks like: The kindling is balanced, allowing the paper flame to easily reach and ignite it.
• Common mistake: Overcrowding the kindling. Avoid this by leaving space for air to circulate; fire needs oxygen.

6. Light the paper.

• What to do: Using a match or lighter, ignite the paper in several spots. Aim for the base where it meets the tinder.
• What “good” looks like: The paper flares up quickly, and the flame starts to lick at the tinder.
• Common mistake: Only lighting one spot. Avoid this by lighting multiple points on the paper to ensure a strong initial flame.

7. Feed the flame.

• What to do: Once the tinder and paper are burning well, gently blow on the base of the flame. Slowly add more kindling as it catches.
• What “good” looks like: The flame grows steadily, consuming the kindling and building heat.
• Common mistake: Adding too much wood too soon. Avoid this by gradually increasing the size of the wood as the fire grows stronger.

8. Add fuel wood.

• What to do: Once the kindling is burning hot, start adding your finger-sized sticks, then your larger fuel wood.
• What “good” looks like: The fire is robust, producing steady heat and flames.
• Common mistake: Using wet or green fuel wood. Avoid this by ensuring all wood is dry and has been properly seasoned if possible.

9. Maintain the fire.

• What to do: Add fuel wood as needed to keep the fire going at the desired size.
• What “good” looks like: A controlled fire that meets your needs (cooking, warmth) without getting out of hand.
• Common mistake: Letting the fire die down too much. Avoid this by adding fuel proactively, not reactively.

10. Extinguish the fire.

• What to do: Allow the wood to burn down to ash. Douse thoroughly with water, stirring the ashes and embers with a shovel. Repeat until everything is cool to the touch.
• What “good” looks like: No glowing embers, no hot ashes, just cool, damp material.
• Common mistake: Not extinguishing it completely. Avoid this by checking with the back of your hand (carefully!) – if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using damp or green wood	Fire won’t start, smokes excessively, produces little heat.	Collect only dry, dead wood that snaps cleanly. Test with a lighter – it should ignite easily.
Not clearing enough space	Uncontrolled spread, potential wildfire.	Clear a 10-foot radius around the fire pit down to bare soil. Keep flammable materials away.
Building a fire during high winds	Fire can spread rapidly and uncontrollably, leading to wildfires.	Check wind conditions and fire danger levels. If it’s too windy, postpone your fire.
Not having enough water or a shovel	Inability to extinguish the fire properly, leading to smoldering embers or escape.	Always have ample water (several gallons) and a shovel ready before you even light the fire.
Overcrowding the fire lay	Poor airflow, fire goes out, lots of smoke.	Leave plenty of space between wood pieces for oxygen to circulate. Think “airy” not “packed tight.”
Leaving the fire unattended	Accidental spread, potential for embers to ignite surroundings.	Never leave a fire burning when you are away from the campsite or sleeping. Always extinguish it fully.
Using paper from glossy magazines	Waxy coatings can produce toxic fumes and don’t burn as cleanly.	Stick to plain newsprint or uncoated paper. Avoid glossy or treated papers for fire starting.
Thinking a fire is “out” when it’s not	Hidden embers can reignite hours later, causing a wildfire.	Douse, stir, and feel for heat until completely cold. Be thorough.
Building a fire outside a designated pit	Damage to vegetation, soil erosion, potential for escape.	Use established fire rings or pits whenever possible. If not, follow LNT guidelines for safe placement.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If fire restrictions are in place, then do not build a fire because it’s illegal and dangerous.
• If the wind is gusting over 15 mph, then postpone building a fire because it’s too risky.
• If you can’t find a designated fire pit, then plan to pack out all ashes and debris because you’ll need to leave no trace.
• If your tinder is damp, then try to dry it in the sun or use a backup fire starter because wet tinder won’t catch easily.
• If you are in a very dry area, then have extra water on hand because you’ll need to be extra cautious.
• If you’re using newspaper, then tear it into strips because loose strips catch fire better than a tight ball.
• If the smallest twigs won’t catch fire from the paper, then add more paper or try a different tinder because the fire isn’t hot enough yet.
• If the fire is producing a lot of smoke and little flame, then check your wood for dampness or add more airflow because the fire is struggling.
• If you can hear crackling but see no flames, then gently blow on the embers because the fire needs more oxygen.
• If you are packing out your trash, then also pack out any unburned paper you used for the fire because it’s still considered waste.
• If you are unsure about the land management rules, then err on the side of caution and check the official website or contact the ranger station because ignorance isn’t a defense.
• If you are camping in bear country, then store your food properly even when you have a fire going because bears are attracted to food smells, not just campfires.

FAQ

Can I use any kind of paper to start a fire?

Plain newsprint or uncoated paper works best. Avoid glossy magazines or heavily printed papers, as they can produce more smoke and fewer useful flames.

What if my tinder gets wet?

If your natural tinder is damp, try to dry it in the sun. If that’s not possible, commercial fire starters or petroleum jelly-soaked cotton balls are excellent waterproof options.

How much wood do I need?

Start small with plenty of tinder and kindling. Gradually add larger pieces as the fire grows. You can always add more wood, but you can’t take it away if it gets too big.

How do I know if my fire is completely out?

It should be cool to the touch. Douse with water, stir the ashes with a shovel, and repeat until there’s no heat left. Feel it with the back of your hand (carefully!) to be sure.

Is it okay to burn trash in a campfire?

Generally, no. Most trash doesn’t burn completely and can leave behind harmful residue. Pack out all your trash, including any paper you used for the fire.

What’s the difference between tinder and kindling?

Tinder is the very fine, fluffy material that catches a spark or flame easily (like birch bark shavings). Kindling is small, dry twigs that catch fire from the tinder and build the flame.

Can I use lighter fluid?

While it works, it’s often discouraged in wilderness settings due to potential environmental impact and safety risks. Natural methods are preferred for LNT principles.

What if I don’t have a fire ring?

If allowed, you can build a fire on bare mineral soil, clearing a 10-foot radius. Always check local regulations. You must ensure it’s completely extinguished and leave no trace.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific campsite reservation systems or fees.
• Detailed regulations for specific national parks or forests (check their official sites).
• Advanced fire-starting techniques for extreme conditions (like wet wood or snow).
• Building complex fire structures for long-term cooking or heating.
• Identifying edible or medicinal plants for fire starting.