Don't forget that the SAS handbook is pushing 20 years old. When it was written the Cold War was still on. It still has it's points but there are better books on the market now.
I do wonder if striking a spark into a pile of propellant would be more effective?
Given the prevalence of decent firemaking equipment, one tends towards the attitude that anyone dozy enough to go into the countryside without the basics ought to the decent thing & shoot themself when they get into trouble. Thereby saving Ma Nature the inconvenience of Darwining their ass.... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

"I know of 3 major fires started this way by irresponsible shooters..."

I don't know if they can be called irresponsible shooters, but I have seen Navy SEALS training at my old range in central CA start more than one fire with an M-60 and tracers. CDF Batt Chief tried to bill them once, even though they put out their own fire before the fireguys got there. Didn't get far with that.

And one time I was patrolling down I-5 and spotted a small fire on a ridge near the frwy. Called the fireguys, then went up and stomped the thing out myself. CDF later discovered that it had been started by a tracer. Drive-by arson I guess...

Leigh, dont you think that is a little harsh???

Wait on second thought naaa, you are right LMAO

Leigh,

I've got the new 2003 edition (Dutch translation)

Was it updated or just reprinted?