> I've used an electrically-heated wax hot tank
of that size for over 25 years, and have experienced fires with 10-ft
flames 

I have dipped numerous boxes using a tank heated (out in the garden it has
to be said) using coal as a fuel and a vacuum cleaner on blow to get enough
heat.  I used a 24" cubed old galvanised water tank with just enough wax to
cover a brood box - so about 10" or 12" of wax.

I had a cover at the ready and CO2 extinguisher and a hose pipe for the
fire.  We worked at 310ºF - anything less just coated the boxes in wax.
There was a blue haze over the wax and it was just like frying chips  (that
is proper English chips - don't do those overcooked sticks of potato
sometimes known as French fries).

It did catch fire a couple of times but just a flicker of flames over the
surface of the wax.  I think the crucial point was the depth of the wax to
the size of the tank - very little air in there for a proper fire to get
going.

Best wishes
 
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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