Solid Fuels for No-Electricity Situations

Solid Fuels for No-Electricity Situations: Firewood, Charcoal, and more

Solid fuels are combustible materials that remain in a solid state at room temperature. In a power outage, they are an invaluable energy source for cooking, heating, lighting, and warmth. From traditional firewood to compact solid fuel tablets, these options are versatile, widely available, and serve as valuable energy sources, especially in situations without electricity. In this guide, we’ll explore common solid fuels, their benefits, drawbacks, and best practices for storage and use.

Types of Solid Fuels

Firewood

• A traditional option for heating and cooking in wood-burning stoves, outdoor open pits, fireplaces, and portable camping stoves.
• Works best when well-seasoned (dried) to reduce smoke and maximize heat output.

Charcoal

• Ideal for grilling in outdoor grills, charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than firewood.
• Available in briquettes or lump charcoal.

Solid Fuel Tablets

• Lightweight and portable, these are perfect for camping or emergency kits.
• Examples include Esbit fuel tablets, which burn efficiently with minimal smoke.
• For use in a pocket stove (aka solid fuel stove) or any type of DIY disposable (can) stove

InstaFire™

• Is a patented, water-resistant blend of volcanic rock, wood pellets, and paraffin wax
• It lights like a candle with no flare-ups and gradually grows in intensity.

Candles

• Made from solid waxes like paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, or other wax blends, which are solid hydrocarbons.
• Burn by melting and vaporizing the wax, which fuels the flame.
• Provides low-level light and can also emit a small amount of heat, useful for warming or minor emergency cooking tasks.

Fire Starters

• Used primarily to ignite other fuels.
• Some fire starters, like InstaFire™, can double as a fuel source for short-term use in a multi-fuel device that uses wood or charcoal.

Pros and Cons of Solid Fuels

Pros:

• Widely available and often inexpensive
• High energy density
• Long storage life, especially when kept dry
• Useful in a variety of devices, from stoves to grills to fireplaces
• Compact options like canned heat and fuel tablets are ideal for portability
• Reliable performance in various conditions

Cons:

• Firewood and charcoal require proper ventilation and are unsuitable for indoor use without a chimney or vent
• Requires special attention due to flammability
• Storage takes space and may attract pests if not managed carefully
• Some solid fuels (e.g., fire starters) have a limited burn duration
• Produces ash and residue, requiring cleanup after use

Cost and Availability

Solid fuels are readily available in grocery stores, camping supply shops, and hardware stores. Prices can fluctuate based on seasonal demand, especially for heating fuels during winter months. Firewood and charcoal are among the most cost-effective fuels when purchased locally or in bulk. Portable options like canned heat or fuel tablets are slightly more expensive per use but are convenient for emergencies or travel.

Usage Efficiency and Shelf Life

Solid fuels offer high energy efficiency.

• Firewood: Burns steadily; shelf life is indefinite if stored properly.
• Charcoal: Efficient for high-heat cooking; also has an indefinite shelf life if kept dry.
• Canned Heat: Typically burns for 2-6 hours per can; shelf life is 5-10 years if sealed.
• Solid Fuel Tablets: Burns quickly (8-12 minutes per tablet); shelf life is indefinite if sealed.

Storage and Safety Tips

• Firewood: Store in a dry, elevated location with good airflow to prevent mold or pests.
• Charcoal: Keep in airtight containers to avoid moisture absorption.
• Canned Heat and Tablets: Store in a cool, dry place to maintain effectiveness.
• Store solid fuels in dry, well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources and direct sunlight
• Always keep flammable materials away from storage areas.
• For indoor use, use only fuels specifically rated for indoor safety – Ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup

Storage Rotation and Maintenance

• Keep wood elevated and covered to prevent moisture absorption
• Regularly inspect stored firewood for signs of rot or insect infestation.
• Rotate wood stocks to use older supplies first
• Clean ash and residue from stoves and fireplaces to maintain efficiency
• Rotate charcoal and fuel tablets if stored in humid conditions to ensure usability.

Practical Considerations

• Firewood and charcoal produce smoke and carbon emissions, requiring caution for air quality.
• Use fire starters or dry kindling to minimize initial smoke when lighting.
• Compact solid fuels like canned heat and tablets offer cleaner-burning options for indoor use.

Emergency-Specific Tips

• Store a variety of solid fuels to ensure flexibility during emergencies
• Stockpile small amounts of canned heat or fuel tablets for quick indoor use during short outages.
• Use firewood and charcoal for extended cooking or heating needs, ideally outdoors or in ventilated spaces.
• Prioritize essential uses like heating and cooking during power outages
• Learn proper fire-starting and maintenance techniques for different fuel types
• Have appropriate tools on hand for handling solid fuels safely

Additional Resources

Get More Information on Each Fuel
Firewood, Charcoal, Solid Fuel Tablets, InstaFire™, Candles, Fire Starters

Conclusion

Solid fuels offer a reliable and versatile energy solution for no-electricity scenarios, offering options for both indoor and outdoor use, for short-term and longer-lasting emergencies. By understanding the characteristics of different solid fuels, and when best to use them, you can effectively incorporate these energy sources into your preparedness plans.