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Fire wick — a wax-impregnated cotton string used to start fires — will burn for several minutes, and it’s a snap to make at home. Use a thick laundry string, commercially available candle wicking, or other 100-percent cotton cordage. Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler, slowly, never allowing it to smoke.

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Dip cotton string into the wax slowly, using pliers to hold one end (A).

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Remove by dragging the string over the edge of the pot (B) in order to wring excess wax from the wicking.

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Hang the wicking by a nail (C), let it cool, then snip into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Store in small zip-sealed plastic bags or waterproof match cases.

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