I'm reminded of an "old indian trick" taught to my buddy by a native amercian.
He would gather up whatever wood he could find. It matter not if it was dry or wet, nor what size it was.
After piling same, he'd open a can of 10 wt. chain saw oil and pour it over the wood. One match later and he always had a large, warm fire. But you did need to be up wind of the smoke.
All kidding aside. Having the ability to make a decent fire under tough conditions might save your life one day. That dead branches under the canopy technique saved my bacom many years ago. E
