camp illumination

[silas thatcher]

i make my own candles and have lanterns for their use.... my question is... considering wind etc, are candle lit lanterns used worth a crap on the playa, or has the wind and fire risk deemed these not a real good idea ??? haven't seen too many posts at all on this...

[silas thatcher]

nm, i found a thread that states that candle lanterns are banned

[Elderberry]

Really? Post a link if you would, please.

The entire city is lit with kerosene lanterns, so I'm not sure why candles, especially used in lanterns would be banned.

The only lanterns that I know are banned are those Chinese lanterns-- the ones that are lit and they float away uncontrollably. They definitely are a fire hazard.

[theCryptofishist]

But the kerosine lamps aren't in the camps, all filled with flammable tents. Tiki torches are (or at least have been) banned. Perhaps candle lanterns for the same reason.

[Ratty]

Tiki torches are banned.

Beat me to the punch.

[GreyCoyote]

The real prohibition seems to be against open flames and liquid fuels together. In otherwords, if you want a 50 foot propane flame effect, and the pyro/flame/safety guys give you the thumbs-up, you're good to go. If you want kerosene lanterns (flame under a globe), you should be fine. It's stuff like tiki torches (open flame, liquid fuel, top heavy and stuck precariously in the ground) you would want to avoid. And of course, those "ghost lights" made from thin paper with a heat source that go drifting with the wind are eventually going to get someone killed. (That's likely what started the "paper lantern" prohibition. Floating in the air or hanging in camp, having a paper structure enclosing a flame is a silly risk).

So I think mostly it's a matter of common sense given the context of the event. You don't want something that can be knocked-over thereby causing a Ms. Leary's Cow effect.

On the subject of using candles to light your camp, they might give you a neat ambience, but I think you're going to find they are a problem operationally. Even if you shield them inside a globe or lens, you will still have problems with wind. And glass breaks, so you've got a potential moop problem after the first drunk stumbles through your camp. (This happens. Plan for it!). Personally, I'd look at electric solutions that emulate the candle effect with LEDs and batteries, but to each his own. Definitely have a fallback if the candles don't work. Remember too that Burning Man at night isn't really that dark in the City. There are lights pretty much everywhere, so your candles may get washed-out visually.

[digital]

Personally, I'd look at electric solutions that emulate the candle effect with LEDs and batteries, but to each his own. Definitely have a fallback if the candles don't work. Remember too that Burning Man at night isn't really that dark in the City. There are lights pretty much everywhere, so your candles may get washed-out visually.

This, x1000.

Costco tends to have large sets this time of year and they really are the best option on playa. No mess, no flame worries, easy to replace/recharge fuel (batteries). The little led tea candle units are great as are the newer large candles made of wax. They look identical to something with a real flame, flicker and all, without any of the mess or danger.

If you want something a little more psychedelic, look at flowtoys.com. I'm terrible with flow art but love his led gadgets for lighting. Specifically, http://www.flowtoys.com/toysforflow/flowlight/

Good luck!

[silas thatcher]

a camp well lit by candle lanterns is a sight to see.... i've been reading so dang much that i forget where i see topics and can't find them and can't find them again... i just store the info presented in my head for future use... all my lanterns are good in the wind, but then again, to a good point, why bother with those when i will probably be using some kinda 12v lighting any way....
just a passing thought that went thru my head !!!

[tamarakay]

The key element here is you make your candles. We all want to bring what we make.
Maybe a combination of the two. Cause we like to see what you make!

[unjonharley]

I always bring a gas lantern.. I switched the glass globe out for stainless steel mess

[some seeing eye]

Welcome to the spirit and the future event that is BM.

The event is a fire festival, but the possibility of a wind driven wildfire through a tent city with loss of life is a good probability. That would be the end of the event. So speculate they need to be in glass, mechanically and wind secure.

You also might consider how candles would stand up to the ambient illumination in your camp. Moon, also all the light from neighboring camps could overwhelm candle brightness

There may be any possibilities of other skills and interactions you can bring to the event.

[Ratty]

Unjohn, What kind of mesh?

[unjonharley]

Unjohn, What kind of mesh?

Its a mesh made to replace lantern glass.. It is sold at sporting stores.. Stansport or something like that..

[digital]

The event is a fire festival, but the possibility of a wind driven wildfire through a tent city with loss of life is a good probability. That would be the end of the event. So speculate they need to be in glass, mechanically and wind secure.

Sadly, we are not permitted to have fire in camp. Arggg. All this lantern real fire and homemade candle talk is making me cry.

Candle people: What do you do to prevent wax issues?

[silas thatcher]

what kinda wax issues ?

[Molotov]

I got some solar powered LED string lights. Battery pack/solar cell is about the size of pack of smokes and can be put anywhere in direct sun. It has about a 4 foot lead and then the lights begin. The LEDS are enclosed in clear tubing (but you can also get them loose like Christmas lights. I have been testing them for two months. nice sunny day will typically yield 6+ hours of light-they go on and off automatically.

[silas thatcher]

since i am unfamiliar with solar systems, i kinda figured i would use what i have and familiar with.... BUT ... fire concerns certainly do raise a good point... drunks stumbling thru camp ?? yeah, been there done that... one guy knocked over quite a few things and an awning as well as some lanterns... right now, learning about solar systems to use, and i think that may be the way to go...
maybe more light and more trouble free than candle lanterns...

[AntiM]

what kinda wax issues ?

If you cannot contain the melted wax, and it splatters, that is more MOOP to be cleaned up.

MyLarry makes candles, but we do not bring them to the playa. Not just a fire risk, but they can get melty in the daytime temps.

[digital]

what kinda wax issues ?

If you cannot contain the melted wax, and it splatters, that is more MOOP to be cleaned up.

MyLarry makes candles, but we do not bring them to the playa. Not just a fire risk, but they can get melty in the daytime temps.

Thanks, AntiM. Thats makes more sense. Candles seem like they would be a big pain out there for numerous reasons. Thought maybe I was missing something. They would be great for ambiance but a MOOP nightmare.

PS - I have some art that needs to find a good home. Hope you don't mind if I drop something off.