Accelerants on open flames: The relative safety of commercial fire starters and diesel
Terry Le1, 1Austin Health
Abstract
Accelerants and open flames are a dangerous combination and flash burns from these are a significant and consistent source of morbidity. Nearly half of these flash burn cases are due to throwing petrol onto fires, often barbecues or camp fires. This phenomenon occurs because petrol has a low flash point, -43°C, and as a result can build up vapours at room temperature and spontaneously combust.
Current fire safety education and guidelines recommend avoiding accelerants and to start a fire using flames, paper and dry hardwood. Despite this, it is inevitable that people will continue to use accelerants on flames.
A review of the commercially available products reveals 2 categories of fire starters, natural wood and wax based, and kerosene based (flash point 52°C). Diesel on the other hand is even more readily available and has a flash point of 62°C so will not spontaneously combust. Of these, wood based fire starters are the safest and are also the most environmentally friendly however this requires advanced purchase and is not as readily available as diesel.
The use of accelerants on flames is unlikely to end and perhaps certain types of accelerants should be advocated for in order to discourage people from more dangerous alternatives. Commercial fire starters and possibly diesel could be included in harm minimisation strategies and incorporated into future safety guidelines.
Biography
Terry is an unaccredited plastic surgery registrar in Melbourne. He has an interest in hand surgery and burns.