Safe indoor balefires

by Stephen
(Madison, WI)

I have discovered two method for indoor fires.

One method is using a FirePot™ by Bird Brain Inc. This is a gel fuel burner, made with a small fuel cup inside of a larger ceramic base. This provides a strong steady flame, with almost no smoke. The firepot comes with its own snuffer, a small metal disk on a handle that extinguishes the flame almost instantly. The biggest drawback to this is the cost of the gel fuel.

For those whose budgets are a little tighter, the other is to use regular rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. Place a metal cauldron on a heat-resistant stand. Pour a thin layer of Epsom salts (about one inch deep) on the bottom of the cauldron, then be fill it about 3/4 full with isopropyl alcohol. You then light the alcohol. The Epsom salts make the alcohol flame more stable and visible. Using this method, you should have a lid that fits comfortably on the cauldron.

Remember that both methods involve fire, and should be used with caution. Always keep your materials safely away from unattended children and pets.