When you intend to start a fire in a location, you have to realise that after it is all over, you will leave a big black charred stain on the ground. Damages maybe more severe if the fire is done on concrete or tiles.

The marlinspike hitch is essentially a running loop. It is very easy to tie and you could use the knot to tie a rope to a pole. However it would need to be under constant pressure to keep it's grip. A useful application of the knot is to make ladders.