Fire

Introduction

Fire is the release of energy in the form of heat, light, and other products, as a result of combining oxygen and organic materials with heat. The earliest use of fire by humans or human-related hominids has been debated, but some research suggests controlled use of fires as early as 400,000 years ago.

The number of uses for a fire are virtually limitless. Fire provides a way to manipulate resources, conserve energy, and increase longevity for the user. Here are some examples:

• Cooking food (to conserve calories by breaking down food for us)
• Eliminating / reducing infection from consumed foods
• Providing a light source
• Creating, making, and manipulating tools
• Communication and emergency signaling
• Warmth
• Psychological morale boost
• Protection from animals
• Controlled land management

Fire also has an important ecological role, clearing out the forest floor and changing the landscape in it's wake. Many species have adapted to benefit from forest fires, perpetuating the natural cycle of succession and ecosystem development.

From a modern perspective, fire has become a tool of recreation associated with nature and the outdoors. We teach fire skills because they are of the utmost importance in survival situations, they assist in connecting students with nature, and finding growth and understanding in the connection between humans and the natural world that is greater than us.