Long, long ago in the time of black and white tube televisions

[LaChapelle]

Before battery operated flashing roadside warning lights. The highway crews would set out fire pots to warn drivers of road hazards. What fuel did they use in those little pots that would burn for days?

-rep you latter

[LaChapelle]

Originally Posted by Comanche

It was likely "coal oil".

Coal oil is a specific oil shale oil used for illuminating purposes. It is sometimes confused with kerosene or lamp oil, but coal oil is obtained from the destructive distillation of cannel coal, mineral wax, and bituminous shale, and hence called coal oil. A special type of coal known as cannel coal (classified also as terrestrial type of oil shale) is required to produce it.
Coal oil was first produced in 1850 by James Young on the Union Canal in Scotland. He was the first to patent the process of distilling this cannel coal into kerosene. This industry thrived in Scotland creating much wealth for Young.
It consists mainly of several hydrocarbons of the alkane series, having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms in each molecule, and having a higher boiling point (175–325°C) than gasoline or the petroleum ethers, and a lower boiling point than the oils. -wikipedia

I'd rep ya, but that's not possible.

[LaChapelle]

Originally Posted by THISBobDole

If you're feeling particularly nostalgic, you can still buy them as patio torches. http://www.premiereproducts.biz/prod...oledotorch.php

Awesomeness

[rockymtnchief]

Originally Posted by seclark

we seem to have quite a bit in common.
sec

Chiefs, beer, bombs, chew, phones. Sho do!

[kepp]

Originally Posted by THISBobDole

If you're feeling particularly nostalgic, you can still buy them as patio torches. http://www.premiereproducts.biz/prod...oledotorch.php

Do they still burn dried cow pies?

[AustinChief]

My grandpa had some of these when I was a kid. they are smudge pots and they burn kerosene.

[MVChiefFan]

It was food grease from the old mom and pop "greasy spoons" which was mixed with a high oil based vasoline which kept the fire burning at a slower rate. My great uncle was one of these workers back in the day and he used to sit me down and tell me stories about it.

[LaChapelle]

I thought this was a joke at first. I couldn't imagine going off and leaving pots of fire. They sure couldn't do it today.

[MOhillbilly]

its what was left over from a Naga after the hide was treated and cured. The fleshy fatty bits and whatnot.

[FishingRod]

Baby seal blubber


By they way Chuck Norris Piss = !