Tinder is easily combustible material used to ignite fires by rudimentary methods. A small fire consisting of tinder is then used to ignite kindling. Anything that can be ignited by a match can be considered tinder. Materials commonly used as tinder: Dry pine needles, leaves or grass Birch bark Dead, standing (usually one season old) Goldenrod Cloth, lint, or frayed rope (if made from plant fibers and not treated with fire retardant) Char Cloth Cotton swabs, tampons Paper, paper towels, t… (More on Tinder)