If you’re ever in a survival situation where you need to both signal for help and light a fire, Orion’s Signal Flare/Fire Starter might just be your new best friend. This versatile tool can be used to start a fire in wet or windy conditions; and it can be used to signal rescuers with a bright red light that helps them locate your position, day or night.

The flares are windproof and water resistant. No match or lighter is required to light the flare: Each one has its own ignition, which works just like a standard road flare. Pop the cap and strike it like a match at the flare’s end.

There are a few drawbacks, which do not make this flare suitable for all outdoor purposes. The flare is fully combustible and gets very hot within a few seconds after it’s lit. Because of this, it cannot be held in the hand; and it doesn’t meet the Coast Guard visual distress signal carriage requirement. But it wasn’t designed to meet that need either. This flare is meant to be set down on the ground or on some rocks in a non-flammable area. It’s also not recommended for use when wildfire or forest fire conditions are present (for obvious reasons).  

These Signal Flare/Fire Starters will cost you about $10 for a pack of two flares. Each flare weighs 8 ounces, and the dimensions are about 1x6 inches. Each flare burns approximately five minutes at temperatures well over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Comments (3)

from Tc505 11/21/2012 at 10:52pm

I carry a couple of hiway safety flares in my kit but as stated they are not really good for signaling. they spread hot sulphur all over the place when waved about and if the wind blows the fumes back on you it will choke you half to death. they are great for getting wet wood to burn though and that is about it. the best thing for signaling is a metal mirror or a marine flare gun which is light weight.

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from gmarkum 11/19/2012 at 08:37am

Hi Bob,
If you use road flares you can often talk your local fire dept or police out of a couple if you happen to see them about. it doesn't hurt to ask.

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from Bob Hansen 11/16/2012 at 03:31pm

Hi...

Good advice as to emergency fire starting/signalling, Tim. Sounds a bit pricey, though.

I always carry highway flares (railroad fusees) with me to be used the same way. Their biggest cost is in the shipping.

If some outdoorsmen got together and ordered a case of them (15 minute road flares), they might be gotten for a lot less.

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from Bob Hansen 11/16/2012 at 03:31pm

Hi...

Good advice as to emergency fire starting/signalling, Tim. Sounds a bit pricey, though.

I always carry highway flares (railroad fusees) with me to be used the same way. Their biggest cost is in the shipping.

If some outdoorsmen got together and ordered a case of them (15 minute road flares), they might be gotten for a lot less.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from gmarkum 11/19/2012 at 08:37am

Hi Bob,
If you use road flares you can often talk your local fire dept or police out of a couple if you happen to see them about. it doesn't hurt to ask.

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from Tc505 11/21/2012 at 10:52pm

I carry a couple of hiway safety flares in my kit but as stated they are not really good for signaling. they spread hot sulphur all over the place when waved about and if the wind blows the fumes back on you it will choke you half to death. they are great for getting wet wood to burn though and that is about it. the best thing for signaling is a metal mirror or a marine flare gun which is light weight.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Write a Comment Your comment (200 characters or less):

 

All submitted answers are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.