TIP: In areas where no trees are found, such as in the upper plains States, a very good source of fuel is an old dried out cow pattie.....or cow dung. Buffalo dung works just as well.
This is a source of fuel that has a huge amount of surface area to it, meaning that it can easily be ignited with any of the methods you listed above. Since cow dung is composed mostly of undigested plant material, it will easily burn when dry. The large amount of surface area provides an excellent exposure to the air, meaning that blowing on the dung is rarely ever required.
Of course, the greatest advantage to using this source of fuel, is that it is plentiful in such areas, and can easily be gathered and stored for future heating. This is a very light-weight fuel source, but rather bulky. It works great. Just don't try picking up a fresh cow pie!  Look for the ones that are aged to a light gray color, meaning that they are fairly old and well dried out. Those that are ready for the fire pit will likely have many tiny holes in them, which are formed by insects and worms which feed on the cow dung. These holes are actually the beginning a long tunnel, and provide a great source for oxygen to the inner portion of the fuel, ensuring a rather smoke-free burn, with little need to fan the fire.
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