[O]ur ability to handle and manipulate fire is… critically dependent on the basic design and dimensions of the human body being close to what they are. Our ability to handle fire is no trivial ability because it was only through the use of fire that technological advance was possible. Through fire came metallurgy and metal tools and eventually chemical knowledge. Because metals are the only natural conductors of electricity, the discovery of electromagnetism and electricity, even the development of computers, are all in the last analysis the result of our ancient conquest of fire.
Michael Denton, Nature’s Destiny, p. 242.
For more information about the unique properties of human beings to make and use fire, read the book Fire-Maker by Michael Denton or watch the documentary Fire-Maker.