Safety issues in using the magnesium fire starter that we carry. Actually this started out as the package insert of the fire starter and then we decided to do a post on it.
***
Fire starter www.PrepareSurviveThrive.US
Gather tinder in a pile next to where you intend to start your fire. Use the driest material available. You should have 5 times more tinder and kindling ready than you think you will need. Unless you have extra hands available and foraging for fire wood – gather 5 times more of that than you think you will need for the night. Lay your fire.
Pare a small pile of magnesium shavings – at least enough to cover a quarter. Use a sharp knife or other metal tool held at 90 degrees to the magnesium block. The magnesium shavings will burn extremely hot [over 3,000 degrees] and fast.
When ready strike the Ferro rod [flint] aiming the sparks toward the magnesium shavings.
To prevent serious injury and property damage: keep away from children, wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and heavy-duty work gloves during use, use as intended only, inspect before every use. Magnesium in solid form is safe do not pare shavings until ready to use. Clear ground of flammable material 5 feet around fire site. Do not leave fire unattended and be prepared to extinguish fire completely. Gather more fire wood than you think that you will need before you start the fire.
***
If there is more than just you in your party you can assign someone to gather more wood while you tend to camp chores such as starting the fire, setting up camp and cooking. When someone is back in camp who can tend the fire you can go out and get other things that you need done such as gather water for cleaning or [gasp, is he really going to talk about this part?] go to the toilet.
Keep in mind that fire is a dangerous servant who will destroy you if you drop your guard.