This is a revival of the old tradition of the Cape Cod fire starters which were very popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The torch-like wand had a ceramic or pumice-tipped stone that was inserted into a pitcher filled with whale oil or kerosene and ignited under a pile of wood or coals without the need for paper or small kindling. It was easy to use and looked attractive on the hearth. 

The idea of “Forever Fire” was born one evening when sitting around a braai and discussing the smelly fingers and hassle of handling paraffin wax fire starters. 

 

We set out to search for this particular style of fire starter without luck.

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Samples were made and taken to friends to demonstrate.

The response was unanimous:  convenience, saving time, and money was instant winners.