A novel non-toxic firelighter used by British soldiers is now available for the retail market.

Cardiff-based survival equipment manufacturers BCB International Ltd (which dates back to 1855) has developed the world’s first solid bio-ethanol fuel, called ‘FireDragon’.  In 2015 following extensive laboratory and field trials against other leading household firelighters, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided to adopt the novel fuel as the heating source for soldiers’ operational rations.  Shoppers will now be able to get their hands on the newly-launched FireDragon retail range, which includes solid and gel variants.

BCB International’s managing director Andrew Howell, said: “ Our FireDragon fuel delivers an excellent performance.  It is non-toxic, eco-friendly, all-weather, provides a quick clean burn and can double as an anti-bacterial hand cleanser.  It is supplied in attractive and easy to use packs and pouches.

“ Earlier this year, the UK Government published its Clean Air Strategy which outlined a number of measures it will take to clean up our air, including the introduction of new legislation to prohibit the sale of the most polluting fuels.

“It shines a spotlight on the environmental health hazards associated with traditional firelighters which can emit numerous toxic fumes. We each owe it to our environment and health to do our bit to clean up our air each time.  Our choice of firelighter is an important step in that direction.

“We are encouraging retailers and shoppers alike to take a long hard look at traditional firelighters and a second look at cleaner and safer alternatives like our FireDragon fuel.”

Click here for more information www.firedragonfuel.com/