Using a torch while camping can provide lighting, deter wild animals, and enhance the camping atmosphere.

Release time:

2025-07-29

However, extra caution must be taken to avoid fires or accidents. Here are some suggestions and precautions for using a torch during camping

Using a torch while camping can provide lighting, deter wild animals, and enhance the camping atmosphere. However, extra caution must be taken to avoid fires or accidents. Here are some suggestions and precautions for using a torch during camping:
I. Selection and Making of Torches
Commercial Torches
Choose outdoor-specific windproof torches, usually made of metal poles with wax-impregnated cotton ropes or linen. They burn stably and are wind-resistant; some come with safety handles for easy gripping.
Avoid using homemade flammable materials (such as plastic bottles or alcohol-soaked items), as these may drip high-temperature liquids or release toxic gases when burning.
Simple Homemade Torches (for Emergency Use)
Find a dry wooden stick (5-10cm in diameter, 50-80cm in length). Wrap the top with dry linen, cotton cloth, or cotton rope, and soak it in wax oil, kerosene, or diesel (note: gasoline is volatile and highly flammable, so it is not recommended). It can be used after drying.
For homemade torches, ensure the combustible materials are tightly wrapped to prevent them from falling off during burning and causing danger.
II. Usage Scenarios and Precautions
Lighting and Patrolling
When moving around the campsite at night, a torch can illuminate the path. However, keep at least 1 meter away from flammable objects such as tents, trees, and bushes.
When multiple people are walking together, avoid torches getting close to each other to prevent sparks from splashing onto others' clothing or skin.
Deterring Wild Animals
The light and smoke of a torch can deter some wild animals (such as snakes and small mammals). But when encountering large beasts (such as bears and wild boars), the torch has limited effect. It is necessary to combine methods such as shouting loudly and retreating slowly, and never take the initiative to provoke them.
Core Principles of Safe Operation
Keep away from flammables: It is strictly forbidden to use torches inside tents, near haystacks, dead leaves, wooden structures, etc. When using, ensure there are no dead branches or fallen leaves on the ground; it is best to operate in bare soil or rocky areas.
Control the burning range: Hold the torch steadily when using it to avoid sparks splashing due to shaking. If the top of the torch burns too vigorously, gently tap the ground to extinguish the excess flame or cover it with sand to cool it down.
Special person in charge: Never leave a burning torch unattended, and never place it casually on the ground (especially in an inclined state). After use, it must be completely extinguished (buried with sand, doused with water, and leave only after confirming there are no sparks).
Pay attention to environmental restrictions: In areas with high fire risk such as forests and grasslands, the use of torches is strictly prohibited. It is necessary to abide by the fire prevention regulations of the local campsite (many wild areas prohibit all open flames to prevent fires).
III. Alternative Solutions and Safety Upgrades
If you are worried about the risks of torches, you can use non-open flame lighting tools such as bright flashlights and camping lights, which are safer. For deterring wild animals, you can carry ultrasonic animal repellers, bear spray, and other equipment.
If you must use a torch, it is recommended to match it with fire-resistant gloves (to avoid high-temperature burns on hands) and fire-fighting tools (such as small fire extinguishers, sandbags) to be prepared for any accidents.

The core of camping is to live in harmony with nature. When using a torch, you must put "safety" first to protect yourself and your companions, as well as the ecological environment of the campsite, avoiding accidents caused by negligence.

Key words:

Safely extinguishing a camp torch after use is a critical step in avoiding fire hazards.

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