We took advantage of the smoke pellets to make smoking a big dragon at parade out of his mouth. The cartridge could also be a simple lighter sufficiently good light (sometimes takes a little longer). Then we got colored and thick smoke for about 3-5 minutes (depending on the wind strength). For direct contact (under 10 cm from the cartridge), the smoke stains the hands funny colorful. (But can be washed for trouble) After burning off the cartridges about 80% ash remain in the form of a black top hat.