Why They’re No Longer Around
Once a common sight in orchards, these old-fashioned devices slowly vanished due to growing environmental concerns, high fuel prices, and the rise of modern tools like wind turbines and electronic frost alarms. They were replaced by cleaner and more efficient options—but something about them had a raw, hands-on charm that’s hard to replicate.
A Symbol That Still Lives On
Today, these oil-burning heaters are more likely to be seen in vintage collections, backyards as quirky garden pieces, or even repurposed as rustic patio heaters. For those who knew them well, they stand as symbols of grit, tradition, and a time when protecting crops meant braving the cold and lighting fires to guard the future.
Smudge pots may be a thing of the past, but their warm glow still flickers in the memories of those who once depended on them.
