How to Start a Fire With a AA Battery

Of course, the best and most convenient way to start a fire is with matches. But in an emergency, it is possible to start a fire by using a AA battery. Although it may seem unorthodox, it could be your ticket to survival in a life-or-death situation.

Items you'll need:

• AA batteries


• Steel wool


• Kindling


• Wood

Step 1: Go outdoors and gather kindling for your fire. Gather small sticks or newspapers. Make sure that whatever you gather is dry. The batteries will only provide you a spark, not a long lasting flame like a match. You will need dry kindling that will catch fire quickly.

Step 2: Take two AA batteries and place them one on top of another in your hand. The negative sides should be pointing down and the positive sides should be pointed up.

Step 3: Pull your piece of steel wool in half. Sit down in a chair or on the ground. On your knee, place the two batteries on top of the half piece of steel wool. Keep all three items pressed firmly against your leg. Wearing jeans or pants instead of shorts during this process is highly recommended.

Step 4: Take the other half of the steel wool in your other hand and strike it against the positive end of the top battery. The steel wool should spark and turn orange with heat.

Step 5: Take the hot steel wool and press it against the kindling. The fire should catch, but if not, you can repeat the steps again.

Step 6: Place your wood on top of the the kindling and you will have a roaring fire.