How To Make Pine Cone Flames And Firestarters

Pine cone flames or firestarters are burned in fireplaces or fire pits to make colored flames. Many recipes or instructions include a dipped wax method but that’s too fussy and messy–this is the easiest preparation method I’ve found.

Careful: Do not mix chemicals together when preparing. Also some advise not to mix colors when burning.

How To Make Pine Cone Flames & Firestarters

Materials Needed:

1 1/2 Gallons Hot Water
1/2 Pound Copper Sulfate (green flame)
1/2 Pound Boric Acid (red flame)
1/2 Pound Calcium Chloride (orange flame)
3 Plastic Containers
Bushel of Pine Cones

Directions:

• Wear rubber gloves when preparing these. Also cover tables and counters well–this stuff can stain.
• Pour 1/2 gallon of water into each plastic container
• Add one chemical to each container (one container for green, one container for red, one container for orange)
• Mix well until all the chemicals are thoroughly dissolved
• Take your pine cones and divide into three batches
• Put one batch into each container. Totally immerse the cones into the liquid and soak them for 24 hours.
• Remove the pine cones and let them dry in the sun or set aside somewhere warm and dry. Don’t burn for at least three days.

More Color Ideas

• Allum (thallium): Bright Green Flame
• Salt Substitute (potassium): Violet Flame
• Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate): White Flame
• Table Salt: Yellow Flame
• Borax (sodium tetraborate): Yellow/Green Flame

Tips

• Burn the pinecone firestarters one at a time and make sure the cone is completely burned away before adding another.
• Make sure to completely dry the pinecones before using otherwise they won’t burn.
• Keep these out of reach of pets and children.

Don't Miss These Tips:

• How To Make Pine Cone Bird Feeders
• How To Prepare & Preserve Pine Cones
• How To Make Waterproof Matches & Firestarters