I haven't tried this half can method yet
but I do have my own version of this .......
here on south padre we are able to build beach bonfires.
(not in city limits, but just north of town)
On the sand nothing else will burn, so experimenting is relatively safe ....
Gas in a plastic drinking water bottle, cap on. throw it in .....
you have a few seconds to get out of the way
the heat will melt one part of the bottle first and allow the gas to escape
that ignites into what I call a "gas flare".
On the beach, with everyone backed up,
it's quite the visual treat and very much the crowd pleaser!
Starting my bonfires I use a roll of paper towels
wadded up softball size then into a 5 gal bucket, then add oil.
old engine oil, new engine oil (cheap stuff),
or old cooking oil, say from a shrimp fry or fish fry ......
place oil soaked balls in various spots,
in the up wind areas of the wood pile.
(we usually have a breeze here)
then take your propane torch and light each oil ball.
Oil takes quite a bit to catch, so it won't flare up.
It's also a very tame fire, unlike starting gas or diesel .....
but when lit, will burn long and hot!
I do this professionally for big groups ......
and it's safe enough for me to have someone else actually do the torch lighting,
that is, after I have everything else into place first!
Many people like to refer to the A&M bad history and my work,
but A&M fooled with the formula of success ........
I build on my formula a little at a time
and not with my clients in the line of fire (so to speak) .......
There's a safe place to play with fire .....
come to south padre and have yourself your own "Burning Man" festival.
...... and don't forget to bring your bike and ride at LFMX, Sunset, or the Grove.
It makes a great family weekend ......
enjoy!
dennis