Uses of Tinder Fungus

To carry a coal, set the piece of Tinder Fungus or False Tinder Fungus smouldering. Then wrap it in something to keep the air off it while you carry it. It needs to breath a little though, or the coal will go out. Experiment with ways of carrying it. I have used birch bark wrapped around it, leaving a tiny hole at the top for the smoke to escape. Check it periodically to ensure that the coal hasn't spread - it has a tendency, especially if too much air gets at it, to spread and start to consume the entire piece of fungus. 

I was able to carry fire in a small 2" x 3" piece for about 2 hours, wrapped in a piece of birch bark. The fungus may get rather hot as the coal penetrates deeper into it. Makes a good hand warmer, though!

This photo shows a piece of False Tinder Fungus that has been smouldering for about 1/2 - 3/4 hour.

Here's a close-up photo of a small piece of "True" Tinder Fungus that has been ignited with a magnifying glass.

Photo & equipment by Allan "Bow" Beauchamp

Here, the fireboard is a piece of fungus, such as Tinder Fungus.

Photo & equipment by Allan "Bow" Beauchamp

This Fungus Fireboard technique works pretty good!!

Good dry fungus of the proper type will ignite quite readily. It will smolder virtually forever, and can be easily blown into flame with suitable tinder.