Safe and effective air filter options?

[bluesman31]

I really want to filter the air coming into my carb. a reasonable amount

My car came with a spare carb that has a Maze air filter and I bought a paper filter element for it. I have read some posts that say there is a fear of gas draining down into the element and potentially causing a fire hazard with a backfire. I can certainly see the possibility of that. My carburetor could have a sticking float and dump lots of gas at any time I suppose.

Is fire caused by this a real issue or one based on an isolated incident or two?

I really don't want to invest in an expensive highboy element that puts the filter above the carb (the best obvious solution) when I already have an air filter.

I was thinking of possibly drilling some holes to let dripping fuel out while allowing for the filtration of much of the air?

The Metal Maze filter looks safer but almost useless as a filter.

What does everyone else do?