Dimitri wrote:
> FWIW.
>
> I live in a area where the fire danger is somewhat critical due to a lot
> of vacant property covered with pine trees and debris.
>
> I used to use a few sheets of wadded up newspaper and an chimney to
> start the charcoal. The small little newspaper embers & ash that flew
> into the air gave me a little concern. For sure I logically knew and
> was 99% sure these little embers could do nothing but there was always
> that nagging 1% doubt.
>
> Several months ago a friend brought over a fondue set and we purchased
> several cans of Sterno.
>
> Well a lit can of Sterno under the chimney for a few minutes works
> GREAT with no smell, embers, or aftertaste.
>
>
>
> Dimitri

We don't go through Sterno quickly enough to stop it from
completely evaporating even from a sealed can.
I saw a tip recently that said to keep unopened cans in a
plastic bag in the freezer.

gloria p