Abstract: An absorbent and time release material formed from a dried pulp impregnated with an impregnating substance such as wax or oil, that is ground to a powder or pellet form. The material can be used to suppress fires, reclaim land, retain water, provide traction on slippery surfaces, and enhance or replace soil mixes.

Abstract: The combustible fuel source of the invention includes a body comprising a porous carrier and a solid fuel. When combustion is established the fuel is vaporized and combusted on one or more surfaces of the body, In the internal part of the body the solid fuel vaporized and the vaporized fuel moves through the porous carrier to one or more surfaces of the body wherein it is combusted. A portion of the heat resulting from this combustion maintains the vaporization of the solid fuel for continued combustion. A variety of materials can be used as the porous carrier, including combustible materials such as paper fibres, cloth, pulp fibres, powdered coal or charcoal and non-combustible materials such as ground pumice, sand or ceramic materials. A variety of solid fuels can be used, including paraffin wax, beeswax and other waxes or wax-like materials derived from animal and/or vegetable processing.