AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-no-flammable-liquids

Is it OK to use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a campfire?

No. Use a match or lighter, never flammable liquids.

Start playing free

  1. Yes, if the wood is wet
  2. No, never use flammable liquids ✔
  3. Yes, a small splash is fine

Why: Smokey Bear's rule is simple: light the tinder with a match or lighter and never use flammable liquids. Build the fire slowly from tinder to kindling to fuel instead.

Huh, didn't know that: Smokey also warns never to burn aerosols, batteries, glass, aluminum or pressurized containers.

The dad joke
Why don't campfires ever win arguments? They always get burned.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No, never use flammable liquids. Smokey Bear's rule is simple: light the tinder with a match or lighter and never use flammable liquids. Build the fire slowly from tinder to kindling to fuel instead.

  1. Smokey Bear (USDA Forest Service / Ad Council): Campfire Safety smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-build-your-campfire
    You can use a match or lighter to start the fire but never use flammable liquids.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingHow deep does fast-moving floodwater need to be to knock over an adult?Outdoors & CampingA mountain lion is watching you. Why shouldn't you crouch down?Outdoors & CampingThe fire triangle says a fire needs which three things?

That's stuff everyone should know.