Finnish fire starter

[Gore]

Seems a somewhat standard practice here to use birch bark to light charcoal. I haven't seen it on this site before so I am posting some pictures for illustration. I was surprised how well it worked the first time I saw it done some years ago. The outer paper is used, just a few square inches as you can see.

I covered this up with some lump and lit it. It must burn very hot and lasts for a few minutes. After 15 minutes I scattered the coals and I am ready to cook.

If you have birch trees handy, you might give it a try. I haven't noticed any other fire starters in the stores here. I must say it is faster, cheaper and easier than any other method I have used. I don't have a weedburner though. If I had some birch trees in my backyard, my chimney would go in the trashbin.

 

[rocketmanray]

Dude....

You REALLY need a weedburner.... it's just impressive!!

RMR

 

[Brauma]

Ok, I'll have my eyes open for birch today. I'm heading out now to cut down 2 locust trees that were mangled in a recent wind storm. Awesome firewood. And I had a huge hickory to die for some reason. Its coming down too.

 

[Leopardstripes]

Birch really imparts a nice flavor in your smoke, too, if you have enough to chunk it- we used to use it, and scrub-alder, for salmon and clams, when I was a kid- tasty stuff!

 

[h20loo]

I never thought of using it in the smoker but we have been starting the woodstove at the lake with it since I was a kid. When we are out on the sleds we use it to start a camp fire for lunch. Even after all these years it still impresses by how good it works.
Thanks for the smoker idea.