Best fuel solution to light an upright piece of wood on fire

[PyroDane]

Hi there

I'm new here. I hope I've come to the right place😊

I've built a teepee-like setup using three long pieces of wood and I wish to light it on fire for a photo project. I tried pouring kerosene directly on it and then putting a torch to it, but it didn't ignite. Then I began researching how to make a less liquid "goo" with the kerosene, because I suspected that too much of it had run off before I put the torch to it. But then I figured it might be better to ask in a forum for people who know more about this than I do. I want to be as safe about it as possible, after all. 

Hope you're able to help me. 

Cheers from Denmark

[FrankRizzo]

You might try adding melted Vaseline or mineral oil to the kerosene. Alternatively, something as simple as a cotton ball soaked in kerosene at the base of the logs would ignite easier, and keep the vapors on the wood lit.

It's a bit weird that you're having trouble lighting with a torch though. That should be pretty foolproof.

Edited December 12 by FrankRizzo

[Arthur]

Decide where it's supposed to burn through and part drill it or part cut it first. Maybe you will have to use hessian fabric or even thin carpet to hold enough flammable liquid for a long burn. This IS going to make a MESS, be prepared for a big clean up!

If you are doing this for a live audience they will know how big it is, BUT if done for the camera scale is subjective and the real burn need not be very big.

[Darkonez]

Depending if you need to see the source point of the fire! A thick rope which has been left in your preferred flammable for at least an hour then nailed to the back of each wood upright should give you a good burn for at least 30 seconds possibly much longer depending on the size of rope I’d say 20mm minimum.