Okay, I don't know if these are new or just new to me, but I was shopping at Wally-World today and found these smaller Orion signal flares. They actually are labeled as "Campfire Starter/Signal Flare". They have the exact same form factor as the large road flares, and seem to be made the same way (they too burn at 2,000 F and have the normal striker). The cool thing is that they're between about 5.25" - 5.5"! No more cutting a full sized one down for easy carry. Maybe the best part is that a two-pack is under $5!

If your local WM doesn't have them you can order them, although shipping will probably be high. The item number is 750.

Here's a pic from Orion's site:

Coll! Thanks for the heads up, Phaedrus. We're heading out for a hike and some campfire practice today. This could be a nice addition!

Talk about a fire starter!

HJ

I was going to check out my local WM to see if they had anything new, so this is quite timely! Thanks!

-Jason

Welcome to ETS, Jason.

HJ

Phaedrus, how much do these things weigh?

GOOD EYE! Now to figure out how to get them. There is nothing on Walmarts site. Do you by chance have the UPC code on the package? Was there a Walmart SKU on the receipt?

I sent a dealer enquiry to Orion. In their usual mode, they forwarded me to Redden Marine in Washington. Redden in turn wants a multi-page credit application and a bunch of time.

Walmart may be the way to go.

Thanks! I've been lurking for a while and thought I should join up rather than just creep around quietly while you all had fun.

I second the product UPC or WM SKU if you have it. It'll make it easier for me to track down if I don't find it readily. Thanks in advance.

-Jason

They are on the Orion site and available from amazon and chief supply.

Fire Starters - Orion Safety Products

They are 10 dollars a set or 58 for a case of 6 sets.

If my wally world has any I may have to give them a try.
Thanks for the heads up.

The two pack weighs 206 grams or 7.25 oz in the original package, as measured by my kitchen scale. There isn't a wally-world marking, but the item number on the bag is #750. I posted a link to them on the Orion website. I did notice some online vendors have them, including Amazon.com.

At Orion's site it looks like the bag is white but the ones I bought are in a clear bag. The body of each flare is yellow and instructions for use are marked on the flares. Looks like you take off the cap and strike 'em like matches.

Looks like I pitched the receipt- sorry. But I imagine I'll probably pick up another couple packs on my next trip.

In Kamchatka (Russia) where they have the same grizzly populations as Alaska, they carry 2 signal flares in their pockets while they are working the salmon runs mere feet away from the bears. Guess they don't have pepper spray there. Thought I would throw in some trivia.

Nice idea, I will look for some.
Back in the 70's they made a pencil sized flare (and smoke)
about 3in long. they were ignited by twisting as the flare
was removed from the key chain holder, wish they still made them.

They still make a pen flare launcher with screw on flare cartridges.

Stopped by WM tonite for some groceries and thought to pick up one more package, but their entire stock was sold. I guess the secret it out! I'll be on the lookout for more. At least I bought three 2 packs the first time I saw them...


Hahaha...just saw my post count. I gotta try not to post again for a while!

Maybe we all live in the same town and are all just lying about our locations and In reality see eatchother every day at walmart in the camping section and exchange polite nods without ever knowing we are one in the same, Preppers.

Or Maybe You just live in a Soccer loving town.

I picked up 2 packs over the weekend and vacuum sealed each flare individually so I can carry them in my PFD.

Pete

Well, I tried one out last week. I did an overnighter at a local park and decided to see how they work. Pretty darned well! The striker is built in, under the top cap. You strike it like a match. It burned very hot for at least the rated 5 minutes, perhaps more. Aside from the heat from the jet of extremely hot fire, it was so bright it was like looking at the sun! Overall I'm pretty impressed. These should ignite anything remotely flammable and also be great for signalling.

Thanks Phaedrus. I picked up a couple but haven't tried them yet. Any tips or tricks or was it as simple as it sounds?

As simple as striking a match. The top of the flare is covered by a cap. The cap has a cap on it, similar to the flip top of a shampoo bottle except it's not attached, that covered the striker. Really simple.

The flame is a very bright jet that fires straight out of the top. This means if you don't prop it up it shoots parallel to the ground.

Ok, these are cool. I'll be checking them out!

i bought some but still trying to fit them into my EDC. Thanks for update

Which department at Walmart did you guys find these?

camping section I believe.

Yeah, they're with the camping stuff. They cost a bit under $5 for a package of two. I then individually vacuum pack them but it's probably not strictly necessary.

We used to make similar flares by buying handheld boating flares and cutting off the bottom half (where it's designed to be hollow, so you can hold it with your hand). It makes a half-size flare that's waterproof and easy to pack.

I keep them in all my snowmobiles, since they're easy to use (even with poor hand dexterity) and provide instant heat/flame. You do have to be very careful with them though, as they burn very hot and drip molten hot chemicals while burning.