FIRELIGHTING IS A SURVIVAL SKILL

ABIC lighter is pretty small, isn’t very expensive, and even two or three of them won’t break the bank but could be the difference between making it home or not. Unfortunately, It can’t happen to me is still a common thought in the planning stage of any outdoor activity. A poorly equipped adventurer may find themselves in a real survival situation, whereas even a moderately well-equipped person will find the same situation inconvenient and unpleasant but survivable, thanks to planning and being even somewhat prepared.

Winter activities, including bison hunting and ski-trekking, can and will put you a long distance away from civilization. Situations, such as a broken ski or binding and snowmobile breakdowns or being stuck in overflow and breaking through the ice, are not uncommon. These can all be survival situations, so the next few decisions you make and the planning you did, before leaving home, now become vital. Summer activities are in the same realm, except it isn’t as cold unless you are wet from a dunking, sweat or rain. An upset canoe, broken paddle(s) or an outboard or quad that won’t start can all be survival situations, depending on distance from the starting point.

The one-match fire works fine at camp but should not be relied upon if you are cold (hypothermic) and shivering. At times like this, immediate fire success can be crucial, changing a really dangerous situation into something you can deal with. First, you must have some material to burn and, even in the rain, the lower dead branches of evergreen trees will burn well, once ignited, and a handful of the really thin branches are easy to gather and light easily, as do dry needles on the ground (or branches). After the small stuff gets going, larger stuff can be gathered, by hand, to increase the size of (and heat from) your fire. The wood-gathering also keeps your group moving and occupied while awaiting the warmth of a fire.

Ignition comes more easily by

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using one of your BIC lighters (note that they have a narrow metal band covering an abrasive wheel to make them kiddie proof. Remove this piece from all of your lighters so you can use them when you are hypothermic).

Ideally, you will have some material with you that ignites easily to get the kindling on fire. This can be carried in a plastic jar to keep it in good shape. Suggestions include kerosene-soaked chainsaw chips, duct tape, alcohol hand cleanser, fire paste, wood chips in a paraffin lump. This material must be with you when needed (if it was in the sunken skimmer or in the overturned and now downriver canoe, it is useless to you). A larger container can be in your mode of transport, but some amount of it is required to be in your pocket, around your neck or in a belt pouch, so it is available all the time.

Survival is always quite pleasant and you can make it more likely by just being even a little prepared. n

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Klondike Institute of Art and Culture Dawson City, YT

SATURDAY ARTIST MARKETS Front Street Picnic Shelter

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Lineup 2023

MAY 29 - JULY 7, 2023

Celebrating 27 Years

LIVE performances & visual art demonstrations

@LEPAGE PARK

SHOWTIMES:

MON-FRI 12-1PM & WED 7-8PM

KID FOCUSED

PERFORMANCES: WED 12-1PM

PLUS Music at the Market FIREWEED MARKET IN SHIPYARDS PARK THURS 5-6PM

Week 2

JUNE 5 - JUNE 9

MON JUNE 5

ALL CITY JAZZ BAND

TUE JUNE 6

SONGWRITERS’ CIRCLE WITH STEVE SLADE, FIREFOX, AND JOYCE GRENNAN

WED JUNE 7

BINGO BONGO BOOGIE BAND

WED JUNE 7 PLEASURECRAFT WITH CRAWLSPACE @ 7:00PM

THUR JUNE 8 THE RUBIES

FRI JUNE 9

THE COMPASSION PILLS PLUS! FIBRE ARTS WITH NORTHERN FIBRE GUILD!

W: musicyukon.com/artsinthepark/

Open House

July 28 at the Old Fire Hall

50 Years And Celebrating

Annie Avery and Keitha Clark entertaining

Door Prizes

EVERYONE WELCOME

Youth Drop-In Centre

Recreational program for teen-years youth

When: Tuesday to Friday 3pm to 9 pm & Sat 1-9 pm

Ages: 12-18 years old

For more info: See Facebook page for schedule & activities, or email Oliver: obulpitt@bcgyukon.com

AllStars After School Program

An affordable, quality after school program

When: Monday to Friday 3-5:00 pm following the school calendar.

Ages: Ages 6-11 years old

Cost: Tuition fees as follows: $315/month allstars@bgcyukon.com for inquiries

Location: Downtown/Takhini Elementary

Learning Tree Early Years Centre An affordable, quality, licensed childcare program

When: Monday to Friday 7:30am-5:15pm

Ages: 18 months - 5 years of age

Cost: Tuition fees as follows:

Toddler: $160/month, Preschool: $150/month Emily Howard at 393-2824 ext 206 or eypd@bgcyukon.com

Location: Riverdale ü Feel free to attend with no obligation, any Toastmaster (TM) meeting. ü You can attend 3 meetings as a guest while deciding to join.

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