How did pioneers make fires on the Oregon trail?

Pioneers on the Oregon Trail typically made fires using available materials like dry wood, grass, or bark. They would often use flint and steel to create sparks, or they might have carried matches for convenience. The goal was to ignite tinder—small, easily combustible materials—to build a larger fire for cooking and warmth. In some cases, they also used fire-starting techniques such as friction methods, like the bow drill, to catch a spark.