[JAWs]

Because startinga fire was considered 'work' in the Torah, and was forbidden on the Sabbath.

[lugsoul]

At that time, starting a fire WAS work.

[Calvin Locke]

Yes, but burning X amount of camel chips to cook a particular meal for the next day sort of has a limited burn time.

Modern utilities present other problems.

Not that modern technology can't over come them, but the market might be a tad limited.