A Guide to Flamethrowers

There are few tools or weapons that are as awe-inspiring as a flamethrower, and many people think they’re relegated to history and cheesy movies and video games. However, what you may not know is that you can actually own a flamethrower, as it is completely legal in most places in the United States. Not only is it extremely fun to use, it is also a useful tool in certain scenarios. This is a bit of a new market, with companies constantly coming out with new types of flamethrowers, as well as different ways to utilize a flamethrower, such as attaching it to a drone. If you’re interested in learning more about flamethrowers, why they’re useful, and some of the top flamethrower models that we sell on OpticsPlanet, you’re in the right place!

*Note: Information as of April 2026. Always check local and state laws to ensure it is legal to own a flamethrower where you reside.

Are Flamethrowers Still Legal?

While mentioned briefly above, it’s best to get the important parts out of the way first. Flamethrowers are federally legal in the United States and are classified as unregulated tools. The ATF does not have any special standards or classifications that restrict flamethrowers. In fact, there are very few laws outright prohibiting or restricting the ownership of a flamethrower in the states. Specifically, it is illegal to own one in Maryland, and it is heavily restricted in California. For California, you need a special permit to own a transportable device that projects a burning stream over 10 feet away. This means that for the majority of people in the United States, you shouldn’t have any trouble purchasing or owning a flamethrower. However, individual localities could easily restrict flamethrowers themselves, so it’s always wise to check your local laws first.

All that being said, being able to legally own a flamethrower still doesn’t mean you can just use it whenever and wherever you are. While it is legal to own a flamethrower, you are still liable for any damage you cause, and you should be extremely careful of where and how you use the device. For example, you shouldn’t use a flamethrower for clearing any brush or backburning without proper training and guidance, as this could easily spiral into a wildfire.

What Are Flamethrowers Used For?

First and foremost, a flamethrower is a tool. It was commonly used to clear vegetation in war zones, such as Vietnam, but the military doesn’t really use them anymore. For civilians, there are tons of ways to utilize a device that emits a stream of fire. While owning one and starting bonfires is undeniably cool and fun, the device has actual use cases that make it the best option for the job. That means that while owning one for fun is perfectly fine, it’s useful to know what you can use the flamethrower for if you need it. Here are some of the most popular reasons people own and operate flamethrowers:

• Clearing Weeds and Brush: If you own a large property or are responsible for maintaining one, keeping everything looking respectable can be difficult. A flamethrower allows you to quickly and cleanly clear out all the brush and vegetation around. You can clear out an entire patch of weeds and brush without having to get on the ground and do it by hand.
• Controlled Burns: Probably the most significant and impactful use case, controlled burns are an extremely important part of land management and forestry. Every year, wildfires burn in states across the country, and one of the best ways to prevent damage and catastrophic losses is by performing controlled burns. However, you should never do this without explicit permission from and under the supervision of the local authorities, whether that is the park service, fire marshal, or someone else.
• De-Icing: Removing ice from your property is both a safety and efficiency concern. Using a flamethrower lets you clear a path or walkway through accumulated snow and ice without having to use a shovel and manually move it out of the way. It’s also extremely effective, as modern flamethrowers can burn very hot, very quickly.
• Pest Control: Clearing out dangerous pests on your property is much easier with a flamethrower. For example, wasp and hornet nests that have taken over dead trees and other perches can be difficult to get to and remove without proper equipment, but a flamethrower makes it trivial. Just make sure the nests aren’t attached to something you care about first.

What Is the Best Flamethrower on the Market?

When it comes to modern flamethrowers, the main type is a backpack version. This consists of a backpack that stores all the fuel while you hold the actual flamethrower portion with your hands, giving you plenty of versatility and use time while you’re working. However, there are other options available, such as purely handheld models that have an integrated fuel tank. These are often smaller overall but can be much harder to maneuver, as all the weight rests in your hands instead of being spread between your arms, shoulders, and back. Additionally, those that integrate the fuel tanks don’t often work for long periods, as they physically can’t carry as much fuel. 

For the best flamethrower on the market right now, you can’t go wrong with the Exothermic Pulsefire LRT. Not only is it available at a reasonable price, it also has a large heat shield, a reach of 25 feet, an electric arc ignition system, and rechargeable batteries that operate the fuel pump and ignition. This means you don’t have to worry about an open flame as a pilot light and you can easily reach your intended target without being too close. However, this is not a backpack model, so you can’t use it for long periods without refilling the fuel tank.

While that might be the best option for most people, it certainly isn’t the most interesting or only option. In fact, the most interesting flamethrowers are available courtesy of Throwflame. For example, the Throwflame TF-19 WASP Flamethrower Drone Attachment is a small, 4 pound flamethrower with a 1-gallon fuel tank that you can attach to a variety of commercial drones. This lets you extend your reach up into the sky and far away from you safely, ensuring you can complete your tasks without issues. Another option for big spenders and potential super villains is the Throwflame Thermonator. Advertised as the World’s First Flamthrower-Wielding Robot Dog, it is exactly what you think it is. It is a robot dog with a top-mounted flamethrower that you can control remotely. Whether you’re building an evil lair inside a volcano and need security to keep the superheroes out or you’re trying to cut off the path of a wildfire to help protect property, the Throwflame Thermonator can help you project flames wherever you need them. 

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Here at OpticsPlanet, our goal is to always provide the tools you need for any job, even if it’s not really a job and you’re just looking to have fun. From our massive collection of rifle scopes and red dot sights to landscaping implements and gunsmithing equipment, we’re confident you’ll find everything you need. Check out our massive selection of gear today!