The Fourth of July usually includes some sort of barbequing so here are a couple of tools which can help out with the job. The first is a propane torch which can help get charcoal started. Put a bit of newspaper or kindling under the charcoal and hit it with the flame from the torch and it will get started pretty quickly without the need for pouring charcoal lighter fluid all over everything. The torch can also put a quick glaze on a Crème Brûlée.
The second is a blower on the end of a compressed air hose. A shot of air here and there beats blowing or fanning stubborn coals and cleans off the ashes quite well. How you deal with all the ash that flies through the air is your problem to figure out so be careful and don't get too close and keep everyone back.
