ConstructionDeal.com Update

Humans have been fascinated by fire since the dawn of our existence. But, for many, having fire in their home or apartment may not be a practical option. Many long for the warmth and comfort of a fireplace or they're looking for the perfect decorative touch that is the talk of the party.

I've found a company in South Africa that gives you a portable option for having a fire in your home. It's considerably safer than a standard fireplace and lantern because it's not burning wood, propane, or kerosene. The company is called BioFires and it makes two main products, GlassFires and BioFireplaces, that don't require any chimney installation and don't release harmful gases.

The products use BioFuel, which is made from potatoes, wheat, or sugarcane (in S.A. only), to burn a real flame. It's has a renewable source of energy and it only releases small amounts of Carbon Dioxide and steam as a byproduct. Because of the CO2, you need to have it in a well-ventilated area or have a window cracked open.

The GlassFires produce no heat on the bottom of the glass, so each design can be put on a table or floor or counter and not cause any damage to the surface. The BioFireplaces can be placed in a bedroom, apartment, or any place you'd love to have a fireplace. And, best of all, you can take it with you when you move!

The only problem I've found is that there do not appear to be any distributors in the U.S. However, they do ship overseas and you can also order their BioFuel from the as well. However, if you're still longing to have a traditional fireplace installed in your home, you could find a local masonry company - free - through Construction Deal.