You bring up a good point. As a kid I grew up in a house that burned wood as the primary heat source. The name of the game is letting the wood season (dry out) for months before it goes on the stack that is to be burned. Then it is imperative that you keep it dry. We had an enclosed back porch that was full of dry wood. The name of the game was keeping it dry.

I have tried to burn brushpiles that were wet before & it is a losing battle. Even with gasoline, kerosine or any other ine's it is next to impossible. That has been my experience.

IMO, The sad truth is those two Bic lighters were worthless once James headed into that woods that was completly soaked with rain, sleet & melting snow. I had temporarily thought he should have kept those shed pants with him for burning & then it dawned on me that they were obviously soaked.

If there is a magic trick to making a fire in that environment I would also love to hear it.