Abstract: The invention is a highly portable ground defrosting device that has a manually portable housing which includes a sidewall, a roof connected to the side wall and an open bottom. The side wall and roof each have a coefficient of thermal conductivity of less than about 0.6 BTU-in/hr-ft.sup.2 -.degree. F. at 400.degree. F., and the side wall and roof together define an enclosed heating chamber. At least one port extends through the side wall for receiving a removable burner which substantially occupies and is exhausted through the one port so that the chamber is substantially airtight as the apparatus rests on the ground.