There have been twi posts on pine needles being the best fuel for
smokers. At our Annual Picnics we have a smoker contest- to see who can
keep a smoker lit for twenty minutes and at the end of that time have a
cool but strong smoke. Pine needles win every time.

As George pointed out with burlap, starting the fuel is key, with a fast
burn first to get the fuel started and then add fuel. I burn newspaper
to start the needles.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, ME