Okay, so I know how to make a fireball, with the thread and cotton and lighter fluid. But for a chemistry project, I need to know how this works chemically. I just need answers to these questions: Why does the fire not burn your hand? How come the substrate burned has to be cotton? Is there a chemical formula involved? If so, what is it?
Any other information you can give would be awesome, as the more I include, the more points I get on this. Those are just the basics... please include everything you know involving chemistry and the fireballs.

Thanks so much!