A bulky log of wood takes much longer to reach its flash point and to begin to burn, as the match can only heat a small area of the log at a time. By which time, the matchstick has either burnt out or burnt your fingers! This is why kindling is used to start a wood fire: wisps of dry grass, small twigs, and paper, (even fire-lighters if you don't mind cheating!) can be used to bring the log up to its flash point and it will start to burn. The kindling can be started by a single match.