A 57-year-old hunter from Illinois was on a hunting trip in Colorado’s Rawah Wilderness.
On September 22nd, he became separated from his group and texted that he was lost.
Rescuers couldn’t deploy that night due to deteriorating weather and darkness.
Over the next two days, 9 inches of snow fell in the mountainous terrain, creating dangerous winter conditions.
The hunter spent two nights alone in the wilderness as 19 different rescue agencies searched for him.
His military experience and preparedness proved critical: he had warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and water supply.
On September 24th, he placed 911 calls that helped narrow his location, and air support located him.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the hunter survived by “staying calm, starting a fire, and using his sleeping bag and clothing to stay warm.”
Most importantly, his ability to build and maintain a fire in snowy conditions saved his life when temperatures dropped and rescue was delayed.
That’s a great example of why fire-building skills in wet, cold, and windy conditions are non-negotiable survival skills.
Hypothermia can kill in hours, and frostbite can cost you fingers, toes, or limbs.
So, here’s what you need to know about building fires in winter weather when your life depends on it.
Fire-Building in Snow and Wet Conditions:
The first challenge in winter fire-building is that everything is wet or snow-covered.
Traditional tinder like dry grass, leaves, and small twigs are buried under snow or soaked through.
So, you need to know where to find dry tinder even in wet conditions.
Look under dense evergreen trees, in dead standing wood (especially on the underside of fallen logs), inside tree bark, and in pine resin deposits.
Carry fire-starting materials that work when wet.
Commercial fire starters like Wetfire cubes, dryer lint in waterproof containers, cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, or magnesium fire starters all work.
Platform Building:
One of the biggest mistakes in snow survival is building fires directly on snow.
Snow conducts heat away from your fire, melts underneath, and extinguishes flames before they can establish.
You need to build a platform to make your fire on.
Lay down green logs perpendicular to each other to create a raised base, or clear snow down to bare ground if snow depth is under 1-2 feet.
If snow is deep, build the platform with multiple layers of green wood or flat rocks to elevate your fire 6-12 inches above snow level.
This platform technique is what separates experienced winter survivors from people who waste matches trying to build fires that never catch.
Wind Protection:
Winter storms bring high winds that blow out fires and scatter heat before it can warm you.
The Colorado hunter likely used terrain features (large rocks, fallen logs, or tree clusters) to create wind breaks.
Build your fire in a depression if possible, or construct a wind barrier using snow blocks, logs, or a tarp positioned upwind.
The key is positioning your body between the wind barrier and fire so you receive radiant heat while the barrier blocks wind.
Drawbacks to Winter Fire-Building:
Fuel Consumption:
Winter fires require 3-5 times more wood than summer fires because you’re fighting cold, wind, and moisture.
You need to gather significantly more firewood than you think (enough to last through the entire night plus extra).
Most people underestimate this and run out of fuel at 2-3 AM when it’s too dark and cold to safely gather more.
Gathering and pre-staging firewood before dark is critical.
Smoke Inhalation Risk:
In winter survival, you’ll be huddled close to the fire for warmth – closer than you’d ever sit in comfortable conditions.
This proximity increases smoke inhalation, especially if wind conditions are variable.
Smoke inhalation can damage lungs and impair judgment, making hypothermia more likely.
To help prevent this, position yourself slightly to the side of the smoke plume, not directly downwind.
False Security:
Having a fire provides psychological comfort that can be dangerous.
You might stay put waiting for rescue when you should be moving toward help, or you might not build adequate shelter because the fire feels sufficient.
Fire is one tool in winter survival, not the complete solution.
You still need shelter, insulation, and signaling systems.
Here are your top priorities for winter fire survival:
1) Multiple Fire-Starting Methods
Carry at least three different fire-starting methods: waterproof matches in sealed container, butane lighter, and magnesium fire starter or ferro rod.
Store each in a different location (pockets, pack, vehicle) so you have backup if one is lost.
2) Commercial Fire Starters
Invest in Wetfire cubes, InstaFire packets, or petroleum jelly cotton balls.
These products burn hot enough and long enough to ignite damp wood that matches alone can’t light.
3) Pre-Positioned Firewood
If you’re hunting, camping, or hiking in winter, gather firewood early in the day while you still have energy and daylight.
Stage it near your planned camping area before you need it.
The reality is that winter storms can trap you faster than you expect.
What starts as a day hike can become a life-threatening situation in 2-3 hours if weather changes.
