How did Sai Baba miraculously prepare his chillum when he was with Chand Patil?

The miraculous preparation of the chillum is a key event from the initial meeting between Sai Baba and Chand Patil. After Patil had found his lost mare thanks to Baba's guidance, he returned to the Fakir. As recounted in Chapter 5 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra, Baba made him sit nearby and decided to prepare a chillum (a pipe). Needing fire, Baba did not look for matches or flint. Instead, he picked up a pair of tongs, known as a 'chimta', and thrust them directly into the ground right where he was sitting. He then pulled out a glowing, live ember from the earth itself and placed it on the tobacco in the chillum, lighting it instantly. This astonishing act was a wonder that further solidified Patil's belief in Baba's divine nature.