Burning wood in the backyard
- Thread starter GON
- Start date
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Far more I suspect!
We used gas to light a bonfire one time and probably put to much on..., but we waited a while after pouring and tossed in a match and the fumes that had spread low along the ground burned a 20ft circle around the outside of the fire... We were lucky, but was neat to see the fire spreading out on vapor.
I've also been present when someone threw a quart ziplock full of gas on a fire, and that made a mushroom cloud.
I've also been present when someone threw a quart ziplock full of gas on a fire, and that made a mushroom cloud.
I had a roommate in college who pulled a similar stunt with gasoline and a campfire... which was surrounded by a group of elementary and junior high boys on a church camping trip. A tent, some plates of food (sitting on laps), and a ball cap were ruined, but thank G-d no one was burned.
Having a diesel truck has its perks. I keep an empty motor oil jug in the back. When I fill the truck, I fill up the liquid kindling jug.
I can identify with that when I was about 14. Thought I'd smoke or burn out some groundhogs in their nest under a woodpile. The 2.5 gallon metal can I doused onto a low flame quickly became a 3 gallon can, but I escaped injury.
Just the ones without lips.
I remember from my early years being told to never use gasoline as a fire starter. This thread is a great tutorial for anyone that has wondered why.
This happened at one of my buddy's college bonfires when he was in South Carolina. Fire spread back to the jerry can and somehow turned into a flamethrower shooting out the back of it. Killed a girl... would have been him, but he moved to grab another cold one.
I don't think I qualify in Ohio, but yes. Gasoline is the accelerant of choice. I will use it, but I let it soak in for a good long while before I light it. and surely don't empty the can.
Fire Marshall Billie?
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The time most folks get in trouble while using accelerators on fires is on account they are trying to restart a fire that is fixin to go out. Ya gotta be smart about how you light your fires. Before you light it, put some tires, pallets, or cardboard in there so it stays lit. Or an old couch or two. Some oil based paints or used solvents from your parts washer work well without going, "Whoomp!!!"
Redneck disclaimer... the previous advice was only applicable if you're back in the holler. Regular folk should disregard.
Redneck disclaimer... the previous advice was only applicable if you're back in the holler. Regular folk should disregard.
Kestas
Staff member
I use old brake fluid for an accelerant. You still have to be careful with it. Sometimes I'll use old motor oil. Neither is as volatile as gasoline.
ME: Lisa, what are you doing out there?
LISA: Nothing!
LISA: Nothing!
I always keep a jug of old oil for just that. I'll soak the burn pile with oil, of course not on the ground as I have a well. Then a splash of 2 mix, then let it soak in for an hour. I've never had a WHOOF like you get with old school fuel. Just a gradual take off. Of course I don't stick my head down there with a bic, I throw a lit paper towel cardboard stuffed full of dryer lint from a safe distance.
