How to Extinguish a Cape Cod Fire Starter

Cape Cod firestarters eliminate the need for wads of newspaper.

Recalling the days when fire was the only source of heat, Cape Cod fire starters remain an effective and efficient way of starting a fire in the fireplace. Cape Cod fire starters consist of an iron rod with a pumice stone that you soak in lamp oil, light and set under firewood to start a fire. Fire starters will burn out naturally in about ten minutes, but there may come a time when you need to extinguish the flaming pumice stone more quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Fireplace gloves
• Old terry cloth towel

Instructions

1. Soak an old terry cloth towel in water and squeeze it out so it is damp but not dripping.

2. Put on a pair of fireplace gloves to remove the fire starter from the fire, as the handle may be hot.

3. Hold the fire starter away from you so the stone is not near your body, other people or any inflammable objects. Hold it over the fireplace hearth.

4. Wrap the damp towel around the pumice stone to extinguish the flame. Make sure the towel covers the entire stone. Hold the towel tightly while the stone cools while wearing gloves.

5. Allow the stone to dry before reusing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you burn yourself, immediately run the affected area under cold water for 10 minutes then cover the area with nonstick bandaging.

References

• Garderners Supply Company: Cape Cod Fire Starter
• Home of Poi: Fire Safety