I solved that problem by going to the canned 'burners' used to keep food warm--can't think of what they are called--but they have a wick with a screw on cap and they fit into a cup holder so they are great if you are stuck in a car. I got stuck for several hours when the road was closed due to drifting snow and it kept the truck warm. They burn about 6 hours, so I keep 2 or 3 in each car. You don't have the mess that a candle can cause. You can get them at Sam's Club--I'm sure there are other sources though. Just an idea.

Are you thining of Sterno?

You mean Sterno?

Not sterno--it's used for chafing dishes to replace chafing candles(I had to ask a woman coworker to find out it is called chafing)

Is it made of gelled alcohol? I see that some cans are coming with a wick in them. I'm not sure if that is an advantage or not, at least for survival. If it is not Sterno or a generic substitute then I would be very interested in knowing what it is. I've used Sterno (or sterno) for years and have never been able to get more than about 3 hours of steady burn out of a large can. If you don't mind please post the product details when you get a chance.

Regards, Vince

Edit: I wonder if it is the wick that accounts for the longer run time?

Every chafing dish I've ever seen has had Sterno under it.

It is Safe Heat chafing fuel. It is on Amazon under that name. I believe it is a liquid rather than gel but spill-proof. They say it is 6 hour--I have burned one for 4-5 hours and still going so I can't say how long it would actually burn. It's nice because you can cap it and use it again.

Thanks for the information. Here's the stuff (the one in the middle):

http://www.candlelamp.com/prime.html?page=chafing

It is a liquid so safety might be a concern. The MSDS mentions that while burning there is a risk of producing both CO and CO2. The MSDS for Sterno mentions no such risk. Still, with adequate ventilation that should be ok.
Could be useful for someone that needs more burn time due to space restrictions. I think that for my car kits I'll stick with the cans of gelled fuel and just pack more of 'em.

Regards, Vince

Just for info-- that I know of--any combustion creates the risk of CO and the only one that does not create CO2 is a proper catalytic. So be careful, no matter what you are using, to provide ventilation.

I was curious about the lack of mention of Carbon Monoxide in the Sterno MSDS, so I emailed them. here is the exchange:

"I am trying to determine whether or not Sterno puts out any appreciable amount of Carbon Monoxide (CO) while burning. I am putting some into my 72 hour kits. I understand adequate ventilation is necessary, but I specifically need to know about carbon monoxide emissions. Thanks, Vince"

"Vince,
Thank you for your inquiry. Sterno produces only CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and H2O (Water) as a result of burning. It was designed to be safe indoors. As it is a fire-producing product, however, we would advise that children and pets be kept away to prevent accidental burns.
The Sterno Brand Team "

Regards, Vince