10 Survival Alternatives for Heat: Beyond Wood

In a survival situation, having a reliable source of heat can be the difference between life and death. While most people think of firewood as the go-to fuel, there are many other alternatives that can provide heat when wood is scarce or impractical to gather. Knowing what materials you can burn for heat ensures that you’re always prepared for the unexpected, no matter the environment.

This guide will explore 10 alternative materials you can burn for heat, providing essential knowledge for survival scenarios where wood simply isn’t an option. These alternatives can keep you warm, cook your food, and even help purify water during a crisis.

Understanding alternative heat sources is one of the essential survival skills that can prepare you for any crisis—explore the full list of survival skills here.

Charcoal briquettes are commonly used for grilling, but they also make a great heat source in survival situations. Lightweight, easy to store, and producing long-lasting heat, briquettes can be lifesavers when wood is wet or unavailable. They are excellent for cooking and heating in a controlled space like a stove or metal container.

Pro Tip: Store a stockpile of briquettes in a dry area with your emergency supplies. Add them to your survival kit to ensure you have a reliable source of heat and cooking fuel during a blackout or other crisis.

Adding charcoal briquettes to your emergency supplies complements other must-have survival tools—explore 50 essential items here.

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While it may sound unappealing, dried animal dung has been used for centuries in various cultures as a fuel source. It burns slowly and produces decent heat. In arid environments or high-altitude regions, where wood is scarce, animal dung is often the only available fuel.

Corn cobs might seem unconventional, but they can be surprisingly effective when dried and burned. Farmers have long used dried corn cobs to heat stoves, and they make for an efficient heat source if wood isn't readily available.

Why It’s Useful: You can grow your own corn or purchase dried cobs to use in a pinch.

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Peat, a type of decayed vegetation found in wetlands, has been used for centuries as a fuel source, particularly in Ireland and Scotland. Once dried, peat bricks can burn for long periods, making them an excellent alternative for wood.

Considerations: If you live in or near areas where peat can be harvested, it’s a great resource to consider.

While cardboard isn't as efficient as wood, it can be used in a survival situation when other materials are hard to come by. It burns quickly, making it best for short bursts of heat or kindling. Ensure you have plenty of cardboard stored in a dry place to use as backup kindling or a quick heat source.

Tip: Combine cardboard with other slow-burning materials for a longer-lasting fire.

Pinecones are often overlooked but can be an excellent source of fuel. When dry, they ignite quickly and burn hot, making them ideal for starting fires. Pinecones can be gathered and stored in bulk during the fall months to ensure you have fuel for the winter.

Pinecones are excellent for starting fires, even in damp conditions—learn more fire-starting tips here.

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Bio-bricks are compressed blocks made from wood chips, sawdust, and other organic material. They’re designed to burn longer and hotter than firewood, making them a popular choice for heating homes sustainably. In a survival situation, bio-bricks can be used in place of traditional logs.

Pro Tip: If you’re preparing for a long-term survival situation, stocking up on eco-friendly bio-bricks can provide you with a sustainable and efficient heat source that’s easy to store and transport.

Bio-bricks are a sustainable option for extended emergencies like a year-long blackout—explore survival tactics here.

If you have old candles lying around, don’t throw them away. Candles can serve as a heat source when combined in a small, enclosed space. While they don’t produce as much heat as a fire, candles can keep you warm in a pinch, especially in smaller areas like tents or cars.

Dryer lint is one of the best fire starters you can have on hand. It's highly flammable and can be stored in compact spaces, making it a valuable resource in emergencies. Lint burns quickly, so it's best used to ignite other longer-burning materials like briquettes or peat.

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Used cooking oil can be used as a heat source by burning it in a homemade oil lamp. Simply soak a cotton wick in the oil and light it. Cooking oil burns slowly and produces a surprising amount of heat for its size, making it an ideal fuel in emergencies.

Pairing used cooking oil with primitive cooking methods, like hot stone cooking, can optimize heat efficiency—learn more here.

When preparing for a long-term crisis, it’s essential to diversify your resources. While firewood may be the most familiar and reliable source of heat, alternative materials like peat, cardboard, and even old candles can help you stay warm in a pinch. These resources are often overlooked but can make a significant difference when the situation gets dire.

Stocking up on a variety of fuels can also be a smart investment. Consider adding sustainable options like bio-bricks and peat to your survival supplies. These not only provide heat but are also easy to store and transport, making them perfect for emergencies when mobility is key.

Stocking alternative fuels like bio-bricks and peat builds resilience—learn more about preparedness strategies here.

By knowing what materials to burn in a crisis, you ensure your family stays warm and safe when traditional methods aren’t available. Diversify your fuel sources now, so you're prepared for any situation—whether it's a sudden blackout or a long-term emergency. Remember, staying warm is only one aspect of survival. Being fully prepared involves having food, water, and critical supplies to ensure your long-term security.

Learn more about the steps you can take today to protect your family from the unexpected in our exclusive briefing on how to survive a crisis like a blackout.

While heat is essential, combining it with water purification techniques ensures comprehensive survival—learn 20 water purification methods here.