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The argument scientists about when our human ancestors first used fire is a long- one. A new study centred on a cave in South Africa casts new on the debate. Prehistoric ash and the remains of bones early humans used fire a million years ago. Scientists working at South Africa’s Wonderwerk Cave have found evidence of fires deep inside the cave, some over 30 metres from the entrance. This it is very unlikely the fires were started , by lightning strikes or from nearby bush fires. Scientists have also discounted the that the fires were as a result of bat guano spontaneously combusting – a very but possible natural event.

The scientists are still none the what our cave ancestors used fire for. They found no of a place for fire preparation, like a hearth or a deep in the ground. It is clear, however, that they started the fires by leaves, grass and small twigs. Scientists are now about the burnt bones. Some say our ancestors could have cooked the meat, others say they could have eaten the meat raw and the bones into the fire. Cave researcher Francesco Berna of Boston University said other possible uses could be for , light or protection from wild animals. The means our ancestors used fire 300,000 years earlier than thought.