Plastic funnel and plastic fuel can-is it safe?
...If you must use petroleum fuel for starting a fire, use a 50/50 mixture of gasoline and diesel, let it soak in well before igniting, and use a "fuse", as described by Mary...
If burning of woody rubbish on a regular basis i'd suggest one of those gas burner fire wands or something like this: Rodney Industries | Firebugs
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From my experience, the reason for allowing the fuel mixture to soak in, is simply so that it will actually sustain the fire long enough to ignite the burn pile. I have previously used a liquid fuel mixture as a burn pile starter, but had the fuel burn off upon ignition, without actually leaving enough heat to sustain a fire in the brush - 'flash in the pan. Very cautious experimentation is a good idea. Exercise ultimate respect for the hazard of fire, including wearing only natural material clothing - no nylon!
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Avoid imitations
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I wouldn't even try to use petrol to light a bonfire because it's just too volatile (not to mention the danger).
Most commercially available firelighters (the white cube type) contain kerosene, far longer burning. The label of one pack I bought this winter actually said they contain Jet A-1.
Most commercially available firelighters (the white cube type) contain kerosene, far longer burning. The label of one pack I bought this winter actually said they contain Jet A-1.
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There's lots of good sense here - well done everyone! I especially agree with every word Cockney Steve has written.
I remember that GASCO safety bulletin (Post #25), and sent in a response pointing out that the whole of England would be ablaze every weekend if what they said was true, because the risks would apply to lawnmowers and everything else used in the garden.
The response did not get published (!), but in doing some research on the web to make the reply, I came across some very useful information on a website created by one of the fire services somewhere in the South West of England - I cannot remember now which one it was. They said that there was little risk of static being generated by the act of hand pouring from a small can, because there was insufficient flow to create a problem. Higher fuel flow rates when using a pump were a different matter and could generate static.
That does not mean to say that there is no risk. We have all been caught out by a spark jumping from the car on a dry day, and made all the more likely if you are wearing shoes with plastic soles. All you need then is some fuel vapour to be ignited.
I remember that GASCO safety bulletin (Post #25), and sent in a response pointing out that the whole of England would be ablaze every weekend if what they said was true, because the risks would apply to lawnmowers and everything else used in the garden.
The response did not get published (!), but in doing some research on the web to make the reply, I came across some very useful information on a website created by one of the fire services somewhere in the South West of England - I cannot remember now which one it was. They said that there was little risk of static being generated by the act of hand pouring from a small can, because there was insufficient flow to create a problem. Higher fuel flow rates when using a pump were a different matter and could generate static.
That does not mean to say that there is no risk. We have all been caught out by a spark jumping from the car on a dry day, and made all the more likely if you are wearing shoes with plastic soles. All you need then is some fuel vapour to be ignited.
