Willsford, in his “Nature’s Secrets” (1658), tells us:
“When our common fires do burn with a pale flame, they presage foul
weather. If the fire do make a huzzing noise, it is a sign of tempests
near at hand. When the fire sparkleth. very much, it is a sign of rain.
If the ashes on the hearth do dodder together of themselves, it is a
sign of rain. When pots are newly taken off the fire, if they sparkle
(the soot upon them being incensed), it presages rain.
“When the fire scorcheth, and burneth more vehemently than it useth to
do, it is a sign of frosty weather; but if the living coals do shine
brighter than commonly at other times, expect then rain. If wood or any
other fuel do crackle more than ordinary, it is an evident sign of some
tempestuous weather neer at hand; the much and suddain falling of soot
presages rain.”