New Fire Starter?

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i would look into that warning on the bag, sounds bad to me. even if it turns out to be harmless to you, i wonder what the vapors released as a byproduct are. probably not too environmentally freindly. not trying to rain on your parade, but it would be nice if we started to think more about this sort of thing(for example-all the many posts i have read in the firestarter threads about using old bits of car tire and other nasties).

Maybe, but I'm cold and I need to eat something hot. All my wood is wet.

>i would look into that warning on the bag

Not to disagree with your concern, it could be well-founded, but I've found that the new California standards have led to warnings on the most innocuous items. It could simply mean that it can give off carbon monoxide–that can probably cause reproductive harm. Maybe the ink on the packet gives off a tiny bit of smoke. Who knows. It's just I've found that warning to be less than useful in evaluating relative toxicity.

I'd like to know how much a single packet weighs.

i would look into that warning on the bag, sounds bad to me.

Worth looking into … but if since we'd be using it to start start a wood fire I gotta ask "Since when are the combustion products from wood harmless to inhale?"

Looks like (purely in appearance) a commercialized version of the "put your vaselined cotton balls in aluminum foil" trick.

I have to agree with some of the people here, that warning sounds like a CYA due to CA rules (in case someone decide to burn an entire box in an enclosed space)… not due to some actual problems. Notice, as well, that it complies with some air quality standard? That probably means somewhat limited emissions to begins with.

How many fire starters are in the package? How much did it cost? Is it solid or gel, etc? Can a small amount be used and the package re-sealed? If the price is right, it looks like a worthwhile trip to target.

WalMart – Target and Sears
SRP is $7.99 for a 24 Pk

two seconds of googling… found this…

"non-toxic, non-petroleum based and odor-free"

However… I wonder if the plastic is also non-toxic and non-petroleum based.

p.s. http://www.charbroilonline.com/consumerwebhome/documents/gafactsheet.pdf

>How many fire starters are in the package? How much did it cost? Is it solid or gel, etc? Can a small amount be used and the package re-sealed?

I really won't have time to do a full review until later next week, but will try to answer some questions.

They come 24 to a box and I paid $5.99. At 25 cents a shot they are a little salty, but should be considered an emergency fire starter. Tinder-quik non-member price is about the same?

The intent (design) is that you light a corner of the pack and the contents are consumed in a single use.

The pack is like a little heat sealed ravioli envelope of very thin Mylar and measures about 2.5 inches square. Haven't got to a scale yet, but probably doesn't weigh more than a packet of sugar. They are certainly totally watertight.

The label says the contents are alphatic hydrocarbons, urea based resins, and paraffin. The paraffin content would seen to contradict the box cover which states that it is non-petroleum. Paraffins are petroleum by-products.

The contents are still solid but flexible at 80 degrees F. During the burn, the mass remains together and does not melt down or run. It looks much like trioxane during the burn cycle. In theory, you could use part of a package and save the rest. The package will not reseal on it's own.

When I say it burns like a house afire, I'm not kidding. Flames probably reach 18 inches high during the burn.

The packaging includes the usual warnings. They are not edible.

I think I'll tuck a few of these away for next time I'm in a tough spot.

As always… your mileage may vary.