What is meant by 'tinder' in fire-starting?

'Tinder' refers to materials that are easily ignited, typically because they are dry and have a high surface area relative to their volume. This characteristic allows them to catch fire quickly upon contact with a spark or open flame. In fire-starting, tinder serves as the initial material that ignites and helps to create enough heat to then catch larger materials, such as kindling and logs, on fire.

Recognizing the properties of tinder is crucial for effective fire-starting; items like dry grass, leaves, or small twigs are excellent examples of tinder because they ignite readily. When choosing materials for a fire, understanding the role of tinder can significantly affect the ease and success of fire-building, especially in outdoor survival situations where quick and efficient fire creation can be vital for warmth and cooking.