Drip torches are an essential tool in the world of wildland firefighting, enabling crews to manage and control fires with precision. Used in tactics like backfires, burnouts, and prescribed burns, drip torches play a critical role in reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, safeguarding ecosystems, and protecting communities.
WHAT IS A DRIP TORCH?
Drip torches are handheld tools used by wildland firefighters to set controlled fires. With a fuel canister, spout, air vent, and wick, this simple design allows wildland firefighters to safely ignite vegetation and reduce fuel loads, helping to prevent the spread of uncontrolled wildfires.
FIGHTING FIRES WITH FIRE
Backfires, burnouts, and prescribed burns are all fire management practices that use controlled burns to achieve different objectives. These methods all rely on the drip torch, which typically holds a fuel mixture of gasoline and diesel. When the wick of a drip torch is ignited, firefighters walk around, dripping flaming fuel onto the ground to ignite the vegetation. This creates a controlled line of fire that can either burn out excess fuel to prevent the spread of wildfires or initiate a prescribed burn.
In a backfire, drip torches are used to set a fireline that slows the advancement of a rapidly moving wildfire. By igniting fuels along the fireline, firefighters create buffers that reduce the intensity of a wildfire and slow the spread. This enhances their ability to combat the fire effectively and establish a containment line.
During a burnout operation, drip torches play a crucial role in removing unburned fuel between the containment line and the edge of the fire. By using drip torches to ignite this fuel, wildland firefighters gain greater control over the fire as it approaches the containment line, significantly reducing its intensity and the risk of it escaping beyond that line.
In prescribed burns, which typically occur in the off-season or during specific weather conditions to minimize risk, wildland firefighters use drip torches to reduce or remove hazardous fuels that can cause intense or uncontrolled wildfires. By intentionally igniting fires in targeted areas with a drip torch, they create a controlled burn that consumes brush, dead plants, and other materials that could ignite a wildfire. This process not only removes flammable fuels from the ecosystem but also promotes the growth of healthy vegetation.
NFFC DRIP TORCHES
National Fire Fighter drip torches are built for safety and functionality, featuring a fuel trap and check valve to prevent flashback, a reversible burner for easy storage, oilproof gaskets to avoid spills, and a durable aluminum body. The double-bottom design adds extra strength, ensuring resilience in tough conditions. Compliant with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.114), DOT guidelines for transporting flammable fuel (UN #IBI-Y-150), and Forest Service Specification 5100-614, our drip torches offer reliable performance for high-stakes firefighting operations.
To maximize performance and longevity, we also supply drip torch parts, repair kits, and mounting brackets for your drip torch, ensuring you have everything necessary to keep your equipment in excellent condition.
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Whether you're preparing for wildfire season or planning a prescribed burn, National Fire Fighter Corp. provides the dependable drip torches and gear you need for safe and effective fire management. NFFC is a trusted source for quality, reliable firefighting gear to help effectively extinguish fires, stay protected, and minimize injury. With innovative designs, and high-quality, durable materials, NFFC wildland fire equipment and products help keep the brave men and women fighting fires safe when things get hot.