I finally got around to ordering three ferro-rods from Countycomm yesterday.

Viewing their website photo, was reminded that the warning tag still puzzled me (forum search shows red_jeep asked the same question few months ago). Like many, thought it might have to do with rod deterioration.

So I asked Frank at Countycomm, who promptly replied, and is quoted here with permission:

“There are concerns by the military that a downed pilot may have spilled fuel on himself or his equipment, or may be in an explosive atmosphere, and that if the fire starter is carelessly stored, it may bump against something metal and create a spark that could cause an unexpected fire or explosion.”