We’ve all seen the movies – someone takes out a magnifying glass and is able to start a fire just by concentrating the sun’s rays. While it may seem like something out of a movie, it is actually possible to start a fire with a magnifying glass. The process of starting a fire with a magnifying glass is not difficult, but it will require some patience and practice. Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you can begin, you’ll need to gather your supplies. First, you’ll need a magnifying glass. It doesn’t have to be anything special – a regular magnifying glass will do the trick. You’ll also need a few other items, such as kindling, tinder, a lighter, and a fire starter. All of these items can easily be found in stores or online.
Choose the Right Location
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’ll need to select a location for your fire. You’ll want to find an area with plenty of sun and no wind, as this will make it easier to concentrate the sun’s rays with your magnifying glass. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of space to set up your supplies. If everything looks good, go ahead and start setting up.
Prepare the Kindling and Tinder
Now that you have a location, it’s time to prepare the kindling and tinder. Kindling is small, dry wood that will be used to help your fire grow. Tinder is a material that will catch fire quickly and help your kindling ignite. Once you’ve gathered your kindling and tinder, place them in a pile in the center of your location.
Position the Magnifying Glass
Once you’ve set up the kindling and tinder, it’s time to position the magnifying glass. Find a spot where the sun’s rays can be concentrated onto your tinder pile. One trick that can help is to hold your hand up towards the sun and position the magnifying glass so that the sunlight is focused on your hand. When you’ve found the right spot, hold the magnifying glass in place and wait for the tinder to catch fire.
Wait for the Tinder to Ignite
Once you’ve positioned the magnifying glass, you’ll just need to wait for the tinder to ignite. This can take a few minutes, so be patient. Once the tinder starts to smolder, you can use a lighter to help it catch fire. Once the tinder is burning, you can add the kindling to help the fire grow.
Keep the Fire Going
Once your fire is going, you’ll need to keep it going. You’ll need to add more kindling to keep the fire burning, as well as keeping an eye on the fire to make sure it doesn’t get out of control. If you’re in a windy area, it can be helpful to build a windbreak around the fire to help keep the flames going.
Put Out the Fire
Once you’re done with your fire, you’ll need to put it out. It’s important to make sure that all of the fire is completely extinguished, as even a small spark can cause a forest fire. To put out the fire, you should smother it with dirt or sand, and then douse the area with water. Once the fire is completely out, you can clean up your supplies and go.
Conclusion
Starting a fire with a magnifying glass is easier than it looks. Once you’ve gathered your supplies and selected a good location, you’ll just need to wait for the tinder to ignite and then keep the fire going. With a little practice, you’ll be able to start a fire with a magnifying glass like a pro. Good luck!