Question

when the man caught all the matches on fire why was no fire built? he burned his hand; he burned his clothing; the wind blew them out; the wood was wet

Explanation:

This refers to the plot of Jack London's To Build a Fire: when the man lights all his matches at once in a panic, the flame burns his hand, making him drop the burning matches before he can transfer the fire to tinder or kindling, so no lasting fire is built.

Answer:

he burned his hand