A fire piston is a simple device used to create fire by compressing air. It consists of a cylindrical tube with a tightly fitting piston that can be pushed down quickly. When the piston is forced into the tube, the air inside gets compressed, raising its temperature. This heat can ignite a small piece of tinder, allowing a fire to be started easily. Fire pistons have been used for centuries, especially by indigenous peoples in places like Southeast Asia and the Americas. They are a fascinating example of how basic physics can be harnessed for practical purposes, demonstrating human ingenuity in fire-making techniques.