AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-tinder-kindling

When building a campfire, what goes in the center first?

Tinder, like dry leaves, grass and tiny twigs.

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  1. The biggest logs you can find
  2. Wet green branches to slow the burn
  3. Tinder, such as dry leaves, grass and small twigs ✔

Why: Tinder catches a flame easily. Light it, then add kindling, sticks smaller than an inch around, and only then larger logs as the fire grows.

Huh, didn't know that: Smokey Bear says a teepee or lean-to fire is best for cooking; a log cabin lasts longer.

The dad joke
Why did the twig become tinder? It was ready to spark a relationship.
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References

Answer: Tinder, such as dry leaves, grass and small twigs. Tinder catches a flame easily. Light it, then add kindling, sticks smaller than an inch around, and only then larger logs as the fire grows.

  1. Smokey Bear (USDA Forest Service / Ad Council): Campfire Safety smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-build-your-campfire
    Tinder: Small twigs and dry leaves, grass, and needles Kindling: Sticks smaller than 1″ around
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.