Jan 11 • SKILL CHALLENGES
Weekly Skill Challenge #1: One Match Fire
This week we’re keeping it simple and honest: build a fire using only one match.
Not because it’s “cool” but because it forces good fundamentals: prep, structure, and discipline.
The Objective
Get a sustainable fire going using:
- 1 match total
- Natural tinder + kindling
- No accelerants
Rules (what counts)
- You get one strike. If it breaks or goes out, that’s your attempt.
- You can prep as long as you want before you light it.
- Fire is considered “successful” when it:Burns on its own without you holding it togetherProduces a steady flame for 2 full minutesCan accept a pencil-thick stick without dying
What’s allowed
- 1 match
- Knife, ferro rod for scraping only (no sparks)
- Natural materials: bark, grasses, fatwood, pine resin, seed heads, etc.
- Feather sticks allowed
- Your normal outdoor clothing and whatever you’d realistically have on you
What’s NOT allowed
- Lighters
- Multiple matches
- Fire starters (cotton balls, dryer lint, commercial tinder)
- Fuel/accelerants (gas, alcohol, lighter fluid)
- Pre-made bundles you brought from home (collect it where you are)
Safety first
- Follow local laws and burn bans
- Clear your area, have water nearby
- Don’t do this in high wind or drought conditionsIf conditions aren’t safe, do the “dry run” version below.
Post your attempt (use this format)
Reply to this post with:
- Location + conditions: (temp, wind, wet/dry)
- Tinder used:
- Kindling used: (sizes matter)
- Fire lay: (teepee, log cabin, lean-to, etc.)
- Result: success/fail + what happened
- Lesson learned: one sentence
Bonus points if you include:
- A photo of your tinder bundle before lighting
- A 10–20 second clip of ignition (if you can safely do it)
If you can’t do an outdoor burn
Do the prep-only version:
- Build your tinder bundle + kindling stack
- Take a photo
- Post it here and I’ll tell you if it would have worked and what to fix
My promise
If you post your attempt, I’ll give you specific fixes (not generic advice) so your next one is cleaner.
Alright — who’s in? Post your attempt below.
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Weekly Skill Challenge #1: One Match Fire
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Wilderness Mastery School: Green Beret-led survival training. Fire, shelter, water, navigation, first aid. Weekly challenges.
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