Without fire during an emergency or survival situation you cannot purify water or cook food, two things essential for life. Having something to start a fire will be important to plan for, and there are several things that can be used. It will be important to have more than one way to start a fire with you. Something I have heard several times while researching prepping is “one is none, and two is one”. Remember this and you will have what you need.
Lighters
One of the simplest items to start a fire with is lighters. These come in all different forms, from the basic lighter that most people carry for lighting cigarettes to the long striker lighters that can keep your hand away from what you want to light. The other types of lighters need fuel like Zippos, so the best lighter to carry for emergencies will be the small lighters that come with the fuel. Be sure to have several on hand in different places for when you might need them. Ensuring they are still good occasionally will be important as well, so check them when you check your other equipment.
Lighters may seem like something simple to have, but need to be checked because you do not want to be in a position to need one, only find out the one you have has dried up. Check them often.
Matches
Matches are good to have when starting a fire, but if they get wet they will not work. Purchasing good waterproof matches can be a good idea so that 
you have another way to start a fire. Lighters and matches are two easily found items to starting fire, but if not cared for, will fail you when you need them. Only you can make the decision on what you want, but I have several lighters and waterproof matches with me at all times, and you should too.
Magnesium and Flint
Another way to start a fire, but not nearly as easy as a lighter or match is flint starters. There are several different types of these starters on the market, but I keep it simple with the magnesium and flint. I recommend 
again to have several of these, but start with at least two and build from there. You can even choose to have different types and this is fine, but when you find one you like to use, get a few more.
These are harder to use so it will be important to practice with them as much as possible. You do not want to find yourself needing to start a fire, this is all you have, and unsure of what to do.
Other Options
There are a couple of other options for starting a fire that is not something normally used by people, but can be used if you have what you need. I have not tried either method, but like you, I should. The first is using steel wool and a nine volt battery. The idea is taking the battery and using the steel wool to complete the connection between the positive and negative side of the battery. This will ignite the steel wool giving you the opportunity to ignite your starter, and build your fire.
The other option is using a double A battery with a gum wrapper. In theory the medal in the wrapper will ignite once you hold each end of the wrapper to each side of the battery. This completes the connection of the battery and again ignites the wrapper. With this method you will not have much time to get your starter ignited like with the steel wool as there is not as much material to burn. When using this method have everything ready to go before igniting the wrapper because you will only get a short burn. This goes for any method as well, but very important with this method. Preparing for a fire is just like preparing for a disaster. The better prepared the better the fire starting, and fire building will go.
Fire Starting
If you asked me, I would say that fire is life. Fire is important for surviving a disaster or emergency, or it can just be fun to sit around and enjoy with friends. Being able to start and maintain a fire is a skill that must be practiced. This should be done in different elements as well. Was there a recent rain and everything damp? Is everything dry and caution necessary? Knowing the conditions you start a fire in is important for both safety and survival. You do not want to create a worse situation for yourself with a fire.
Practicing this skill and making it fun for everyone will give you the necessary skills for fire starting when the time comes. Include everyone in the fire making practices, and let everyone try to get a fire started. Even if you do not want to create a roaring fire, just practicing with starting the fire and letting it burn out will give you and your family the confidence needed if a fire becomes a necessity.
You may ask why I am not talking about methods where you have nothing but two sticks, and I would say that in most situations, if you are prepared you will have what you need. I am not saying if you want to practice this skill, don’t waste your time, I am simply recommending that we be prepared so that this is not the only option .
Now go forth and build fires, but please do so safely.
