When things go wrong, warmth is not a luxury. A stuck truck in a snowstorm, a power outage in winter, a hike that runs past dark: fire helps you stay warm, signal for help and feel a lot better about your situation. The trick is having a fire starter that works when conditions are bad, because that is exactly when you will need it.
What makes a good emergency fire starter?
Keep it simple. A good emergency fire starter should:
- Work when wet. Emergencies and bad weather go together.
- Store for a long time. You should not have to swap it out every season.
- Be easy to use with cold, shaky hands. If it takes a tutorial, it is not an emergency tool.
- Be non-toxic and small. It has to fit anywhere and be safe to carry around.
Waterproof fire plugs check each of those boxes, which is why we make them.
What should you keep in your truck or car?
Your truck or car is a rolling shelter, but it can leave you stranded. Keep a pouch of fire plugs in the glove box or a bag behind the seat, with a lighter or ferro rod and a small knife. Add a few feet of cordage and a pair of work gloves. If you get stuck somewhere cold, you can build a fire away from the vehicle to stay warm and to be seen. In a car, a pouch in the glove box, console or under the seat works great.
What should you keep in your go bag or day pack?
Weight matters in a pack, and plugs are light. Pack at least 10 plugs in a small zip bag, plus a ferro rod and a backup lighter. Put it all in an inside pocket where you can reach it fast. If you hike, hunt or fish, make that a permanent part of your setup instead of something you remember to add.
What should you keep in your home emergency kit?
Power outages and storms are the most common emergencies. Keep a full pouch with your flashlights, water and first aid supplies. A 50 count pouch has enough for many fires and for sharing with family or neighbors. Pair it with matches and a lighter in a dry container, and check the kit once a year.
Where should you put your fire plugs and why?
Spread them out. One pouch in the truck or car, a handful in your pack and a pouch at home means you are never far from a fire starter. Blaze Fire Plugs are built for a long shelf life, 20+ years when stored properly, so you can set it up once and stay ready.
The simple version
Plugs, a ferro rod, a lighter, and the bend, fluff, spark method. That is a real emergency fire plan that fits in a pocket. Grab a 50 count pouch of Blaze Fire Plugs and put one in every kit you own. We Get Ya Going!