Storm Kettle Fire done on a blustery, rainy day December 6th 2015

Set up a safe fire area, clear the ground both underneath and around the storm kettle. Make sure there is a bucket of water nearby. Mark the fire area with 4 sticks only the fire is to go in this area.

After having a base of dry wood, I lay some tinder on top this includes dried oak leaves and birch bark, then add cotton wool and vaseline as a base to strike my flint and steel onto.  If I did not have cotton wool I would find a disgarded birds nest or anything with a fluffy texture, lint from my pockets etc.

Once it is lit I have a fire glove on which I will use to add more wood to the fire.  I would like to see the fire to really catch before putting the water pot on top.

Once the fire is going, remove or push in all over hanging twigs,  make the fire safe for the water pot to go on top.
Once the fire is lit, add the storm kettle. Ensure the spout is pointing away from anybody.   Ensure that the stopper is not in when it is on the fire.  Always ensure that the fire is fed as fuel is used up quite quickly when the flame is hot,  Once the kettle has boiled you can remove using the handle, the handle is cool so it is the best way to remove from the fire.  Once removed put the stopper in.

Ensure that the fire is out by pouring cool water over it.  Once it is out and everything has cooled down ensure that the ashes are disposed of safely.  If in the woodland scatter under a bush or around a tree.  Ensure that these are put in the woodland mulch.

I was very prepared for this fire as I had all my tinder in a plastic bag and also all my twigs were collected over time from different sources.  It makes  huge difference if prepared for making a fire.