A fire starter is an essential tool while hiking in Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 21, 2022

A fire starter such as waterproof matches, a lighter or magnesium sparking tool is a small piece of equipment that could make a big difference if you become lost or injured while hiking. “You should always have at least two different methods of fire starting,” said Jim Bridge, a search and rescue instructor with the Maine Association for Search and Rescue. “I carry a BIC lighter and waterproof matches in a waterproof container, and I have one of those fancy spark things. So I have three … it’s like wearing a reserve parachute. You wear it just in case the first one doesn’t work.”