Great forum everyone!
I have a question. This is for a long term survival situation. Does anyone have any info on using bamboo as a source of fuel. Where I live it grows all over.

thanks for any input

I have no first hand info, but it should burn just fine when dry. Tokyo was made from a lot of bamboo about 60 years ago, and it burned just fine.

Just make sure to split it so that it does not pop on you.

I would expect it tor burn fast, since it is a soft, fast-growing grass. This means that you will be constantly adding wood to the fire. But if that is all you have...

"Just make sure to split it so that it does not pop on you."

Very important point there.

If you burn whole bamboo, there is air trapped in the joints. I think the right word for it is somewhere between "pop" and "explode".

In addition to the pop/explosion caution, -I've also read that you should be really mindful when slashing down such thickets as you may find, -for fuel or other uses. There can be a lot of bound up tension in the tangle, -which can lead to some serious injury or even worse!

Also, I get the feeling that Bamboo may not make for exactly the best of heat liberating fuels. (I could be variously right or wrong on that, -don't really know for sure.). But even so, -if it gets down to pretty much being the only thing you have!,.... [color:"black"] [/color] [email]Ron[/email]

Bambu will make a fine fire and also fines "weapons" and also it can be used to carry watre or to make a cage for your birds or chickens.......and even a house.

You can make a fine bow and some arrows to go with it.

Can be used a a whip for close defence (if skinny) or a bat (if fat). [color:"blue"] [/color]

There unlimited use?s besides fire and be carefull of green bamboo, water is in the nodules and will cause a steam explosion.
Some varieties have big thorns and all bamboo when split have very sharp edges
If you guys are in the NY area and have a source of wild bamboo please let me know <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=137
http://www.bamboocraft.net/
http://www.primitiveways.com/bamboo_rice_cooker.html
http://www.primitiveways.com/bamboo_clay_thrower.html
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8002
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=65