Sometimes it can be insanely difficult to ignite a fire, and sometimes it can be insanely easy. A few years ago, we had a 7,000 acre fire ignited by bullet strikes from roadside target shooters - a case of light fuels and very dry conditions.

I have worked with steel tools on rocky, high silicate limestone where tool strikes were creating sparks. We were in dry grass lands, but fortunately did not start anything. I have read that at least one fire has been ignited in SoCal by sunlight focused just right (or wrong!) through a broken glass bottle base.

My most favorite fire starter used to be a carbide lamp, now technologically obsolete because of nearly unobtainable fuel. Light and fire in one handy appliance, reasonably dependable and quickly fixed.

Although I am reasonably weight conscious when hiking, I always carry redundant fire starting items, at least three. Making fire is a fundamental survival skill.