Hi, I’m Jack. I grew up on a farm in North Waikato, so fires have always been part of life - for heat in winter, or just sitting around catching up with family. And if you’ve ever done it properly, you know getting a fire going can be a strenuous task sometimes.

Fire Bug started as a project back in high school: a simple idea to make lighting fires easier. After a lot of trial and error, I landed on a reusable fire starter that’s long-lasting, reliable, and handmade right here on my family farm. Every Fire Bug is crafted by hand, which means each one is a little different - and gives your fireplace or outdoor fire that extra touch of authenticity.

The idea really took off in 2023/24, when I joined the Audacious start-up program in Dunedin in my final year of university. Fire Bug won the Industry Disrupter Award, and I started selling at farmers markets, sharing it with everyday Kiwis who just want a better, more enjoyable fire experience.

Fire Bug isn’t just practical - it’s part of the experience. It’s about creating a cozy moment at home, in your lounge, at the bach, or around a fire pit. It’s a small, one-of-a-kind product that looks good sitting next to your fireplace, makes lighting a fire simple, and replaces chemical single-use fire lighting methods

It’s handmade, authentic, and made for anyone who enjoys a fire. Just a better way to start it.

— Jack