We recently took some boy scouts on a weekend campout (in the rain). All the wood was wet other than on bottom but still had trouble getting more than just dry to burn. One of the boys had a personal battery operated fan and he used it like a blower in a forge to get the flames and coals hotter. Even the wet stuff got to burning. From now on, I will have one in my camping backpack.

A battery operatied fan is dafinately beteer than hyperventilating!

My favorite trick for firestarting in wet conditions is a candle stub. The wax wicks into the tinder and creates a dry/hot spot for the little salamanders to start up in.

Either that or a splash of the Everclear that is stashed under the seat with the other degreasers...

Rena