diff --git a/firecrest/utilities.py b/firecrest/utilities.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e363904
--- /dev/null
+++ b/firecrest/utilities.py
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+import time
+from contextlib import contextmanager
+
+@contextmanager
+def time_block(label, logger):
+    start_time = time.time()
+    try:
+        yield
+    finally:
+        end_time = time.time()
+        logger.debug(f"{label} took {end_time - start_time:.6f} seconds")