My minimum fire starting kit is a tiny ferrocerium rod with a length of about 1 1/2" and a diameter of about an 1/8". Even the luxurious version with a magnesium bar has enough place on a dollar coin. Pocket lint or paper handkerchiefs serve as tinder (or to blow the nose if required). It just does not take enough space to even consider leaving it behind. That´s also the case with a small BIC and a film canister of matches.
I wont take your challenge. A space blanket is part of the FAK and can double as shelter. It´s in my EDC even for urban environment. Those items just do not take enough space and effort to think about leaving them and not have them when you need them.
Preparedness is a lifestyle. When you live it, you have a different view on carrying emergency supplies. When asked to select "either a or b", the answer frequently is "both".

I'm a civilian. I have no OPSEC concerns -- rather the contrary. If I'm in a survival situation, I want to be found.



Don't underestimate the positive power of morale. If calm is the only thing that fire provides (besides warmth, visibility, water disinfection, and cooking) then it's worthwhile just for that in many situations.

Fire starting kit is tiny and weighs very little even if its just a box of matches or a lighter, yet can potentially provide so much for so little carry weight. Starting fires in good weather is a doddle, it gets much more difficult in difficult weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow and windy conditions where trees find it difficult to become established such as above the tree line, so shelter and insulation become a priority, i.e. a good sleeping bag and bivvy, basha or tent. This is also why lightweight cooking stove systems exist and are commercially available.

Fire starting is not always needed; but it is both cheap and light -- Why not carry some?

Yes.

Fire = heat, light, rescue signal, water purification, cooking.

So much good from so little (match, Bic, firesteel). That's why I have firestarters in every pack, vehicles, home, office, purse, wallet.

The year is 2011. We obviously don't need fire starters anymore...duh!

I would venture a guess that most of us who consider fire starting items essential live in or near wooded areas that are also subject to drops in temperature (myself included, and YES, I do consider fire starting items essential kit items). I also consider shelter items essential for the kit as well, and place it's priority just slightly above the fire starting items. All that said, your scenario where there is no wood or other fuel available has given me quite a bit to think about.

In situations where fire is not possible or not advisable, I have to agree with others about bringing along a stove with fuel, and would also suggest including some of the various hand warmers available if there is room. These can be activated and placed in strategic spots (like under the armpits) to keep you warm.

BTW, welcome to the forums Vasco.

I say to this that the Number system within the survival community is bunk. To Consider one thing the most important or to line things up in order of importance is giving reason to not carry things lower on the list and or Further romanticizing the survive with 1-3 things lifestyle I believe most of us here frown upon (could be wrong sorry). If you are preparing why not prepare to the fullest extent of your abilities? Learn how to Survive without and prepare to survive with. With all that yes I believe in carrying a Firesteel but no I do not think about EDCing one during everyday life. In the woods a Firesteel will be on me nomatter what other methods of firestarting I have or Know how to improvise. As for every Day life I EDC A lighter.

Wales will kill every bit as dead as "some of wilder tracts in the western USA".

Why: Because Wales has killer combination of:
1) Heavy cold rain.
2) Cold wind.
3) No shelter.
Classic three strikes and your dead territory.

A firelighting kit is simply a waste of space.

Proper clothing, bivvy bag, kip mat and chemical handwarmer packs.

the idea of a survival kit is to carry everything--everything you might need--that everything might be in small amounts but everything.