The best natural fire starters you can find in the wilderness include: Tinder Fungus You can find tinder fungus under the birch tree barks. Simply look out for charred-looking, black patches on living birch trees, and it should be hiding underneath. Tree Bark The bark of many trees, such as birch, cedar, poplar, and cottonwood, will ignite very easily. Dry Leaves and Grass When it comes to starting fires, grass tends to work better than leaves simply because you can shape it. For the best results, shape some dry grass into a ball before striking sparks onto it. Spruce Tips and Pine Needles These will stay dry even during thunderstorms and will catch fire easily. Branches and twigs from the spruce tree may take a more prolonged flame to get going, so you might need a lighter or something similar.