Potassium nitrate is very popular compound in pyrotechnics, used as an oxidiser. It can be mixed with sugar to make a "rocket candy", with coal and sulphur to form black powder. You can stick it on rope to create functional fuse.
The saltpeter releases oxygen in all these reactions. But what are the results of reaction? I learned that $\ce{KNO2}$ is also oxidiser. So does the nitrate turn tu nitrite and then reacts again? Or does it form something else?
I have noticed that some strange bubbles come from my homemade fuse (photo will follow). Since potassium nitrate has melting point at 334°C (according to Google) it's likely the saltpeter melting.
And what about fumes? Does potassium nitrate or nitrite evaporate to turn the air poisonous or irritating?