Nothing challenges outdoor survival or a cozy campsite quite like trying to start a campfire in soggy conditions. But with the right knowledge and techniques, you can get a fire going—even after a heavy downpour. Whether you're camping, backpacking, or in a survival situation, here's a complete guide to starting a fire after a rainstorm, complete with techniques and visual cues.

🌧️ Step 1: Find Dry Tinder — Even When Everything’s Wet

Look for the driest material you can find:

• Under logs or fallen trees: These often shield dry wood underneath.

• Bark from dead trees: Birch bark, especially, lights well even when damp.

• Inside branches: Break thick sticks open and carve out the dry inner wood (called a feather stick).

• Gather natural tinder: Dry pine needles, cattail fluff, or fibrous inner bark from cedar trees work well.

👉 Illustration idea: Diagram showing where to find dry materials (under logs, inside branches).

Pro tip: Carry a fire starter or dryer lint in a waterproof bag—it can save the day in emergencies.

🪵 Step 2: Collect Kindling and Fuel

Start small and go bigger:

• Begin with thin twigs (pencil-size), gradually moving up to wrist-thick branches.

• Look for standing deadwood—branches that haven’t touched the wet ground.

• Use your knife to shave off wet bark and expose dry wood underneath.

👉 Illustration idea: A tiered pile of firewood from tinder to kindling to fuel, labeled by size.

🔪 Step 3: Prepare the Fire Site

• Choose high ground, not a puddle-prone low spot.

• Clear the area of wet leaves or debris.

• Build a raised platform of dry sticks or bark to keep your fire off the wet ground.

• Stack rocks or dig a shallow trench to shield from wind and channel airflow.

👉 Illustration idea: Cross-section of a raised fire platform with labels.

🔥 Step 4: Build a Fire Structure That Works

Try one of these rain-tested structures:

🏕 Teepee Fire Lay

• Create a teepee of kindling around your tinder.

• Place larger sticks leaning outward for airflow.

🌲 Log Cabin Fire Lay

• Stack sticks log-cabin style with tinder inside the square base.

• Helps shelter your flame while building a core of heat.

👉 Illustration idea: Side-by-side visual of teepee and log cabin fire layouts.

⚡ Step 5: Light the Fire (Even When Damp)

Use one of these dependable methods:

• Ferro rod + dry tinder: Scrape firmly to create hot sparks.

• Waterproof matches or butane lighter: Always carry backups.

• Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly: Nearly foolproof ignition.

Hold your flame at the base of the tinder and shield it with your body or gear from wind and drizzle.

🔁 Step 6: Nurture the Flame

• Feed it slowly with more kindling—don’t suffocate it.

• Use bark or split wood pieces rather than whole logs at first.

• Once flames are steady, you can add bigger fuel logs.

👉 Illustration idea: Sequence of fire growing from tiny flame to full campfire.

✅ Final Tips

• Always pack out used fire starters and follow Leave No Trace principles.

• If everything is drenched and you’re out of options, consider a portable camp stove until wood dries.

🏕️ Conclusion

Starting a fire after a rainstorm is part science, part skill—and part stubbornness. With the techniques above, a bit of preparation, and some patience, you can master the art of fire-starting in any weather. Your warm fire, hot meal, or dry clothes will thank you.