Driptorch

Driptorch is a tool used primarily in wildland firefighting, controlled burns, and land management practices. It is designed to ignite fires by dripping flaming liquid fuels, typically a mixture of diesel fuel and gasoline.

Design and Function

A driptorch consists of a canister for holding fuel, a spout with a loop to prevent fire from entering the canister, and a wick from which flaming fuel is dripped. The canister is filled with a mixture of diesel fuel and gasoline. The ratio of diesel to gasoline can vary depending on the desired burn rate and intensity. The wick, usually made of a fibrous material, is lit and the flaming fuel drips onto the desired area, igniting it.

Usage

Driptorches are used in a variety of land management and firefighting applications. In wildland firefighting, they are used to set backfires, fires that are intentionally set to consume the fuel in the path of a larger fire. In controlled burns, driptorches are used to ignite the fire in a controlled and precise manner. They are also used in land management practices to reduce the amount of combustible material in a given area and prevent larger, uncontrolled fires.

Safety

Safety is a major concern when using a driptorch. Operators must be trained in proper use and handling of the tool. This includes understanding the correct fuel mixture, how to light and extinguish the torch, and how to safely carry and store the torch. In addition, operators must be aware of their surroundings and the potential for fire spread.

See Also

• Firefighting equipment
• Controlled burn
• Wildland fire suppression