Abstract: An improved fuel block of compressed combustible particles and a binder has a controlled burn rate preferably for use adjacent citrus fruit trees to prevent frost damage. The fuel block preferably has a cylindrical body and is formed with a longitudinally extending series of individual spaced depressions in the side surface of the body. The side surface of the fuel body is tightly wrapped with a combustible paper which forms air pockets with the side surface of the spaced depressions. These air pockets in combination with the paper, provide a series of alternating fast and slow burn layers which enable the body to burn in progressive layers instead of burning the entire body at the same time. An outer protective plastic wrapper protects the fuel body and wrapper paper from the weather until ready for use. A central hole is formed through the fuel body to assist in the initial lighting of the top surface of the body.

Abstract: An artificial firelog is formed of an elongated flammable body of compressed sawdust and a wax binder which is sealed within a flammable outer protective wrapper. A groove, generally dovetailed-shaped in transverse cross section, extends throughout the longitudinal length of the body in a vertical lower portion of a front surface of the body. The upper portion of the front surface is inclined rearwardly and terminates in a horizontal top surface. The groove forms a venturi air passage within the wrapper interior which creates a draft to accelerate burning of the wrapper and the flammable body along the top of the groove when the wrapper is ignited adjacent one end of the groove. A second groove is formed in the top surface of the body to control the weight of the body during the extrusion forming thereof.