It's one of humanity's most persistent questions — right up there with "is there life on other planets" and "what's for dinner." Can you actually light a fart on fire? The short answer: absolutely yes. The longer answer involves chemistry, physics, and a healthy dose of "please don't try this at home."
Lighting farts on fire has caused real burns, emergency room visits, and even house fires. This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do NOT attempt this. Enjoy farts safely with our fart soundboard instead.
Now that we've covered our legal bases — let's dive into the explosive science.
Why Farts Are Flammable
Your digestive system is basically a fermentation factory. As gut bacteria break down food, they produce several gases — and two of them happen to be highly flammable:
| Gas | % of Flatulence | Flammable? | Flame Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | 20–90% | ❌ No | — |
| Hydrogen | 0–50% | ✅ Yes | Pale blue |
| Carbon Dioxide | 10–30% | ❌ No | — |
| Methane | 0–10% | ✅ Yes | Blue |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | <1% | ✅ Yes | Blue |
| Oxygen | Trace | ❌ No (supports combustion) | — |
Hydrogen and methane are the main fuels. When these gases exit the body and mix with oxygen in the air, an ignition source — like a lighter — can create a brief but real flame. The hydrogen sulfide, while present in tiny amounts, is what gives the smell and adds a slight sulfurous tinge to the burn.
Not everyone produces methane. Studies show only about one-third of adults have methane-producing archaea (Methanobrevibacter smithii) in their gut. Your fart's flammability literally depends on your personal microbiome.
Why Fart Flames Are Blue
If you've ever seen videos of the infamous "blue dart" (and millions have on YouTube), you'll notice the flame is typically blue, not yellow or orange. Here's why:
Hydrogen burns with an almost invisible pale blue flame. Methane also burns blue when there's sufficient oxygen — the same reason your gas stove has a blue flame. The brief, clean combustion of these gases means you get a quick blue flash rather than a sustained orange fire.
The "blue dart" phenomenon was documented as early as the 1999 study in the journal Gut. The flame typically lasts 1–3 seconds and can extend 6–12 inches from the source. That's a real flame with real heat — up to 1,900°C (3,450°F) for a pure hydrogen flame.
What Makes Some Farts More Flammable Than Others
Not all farts are created equal in the combustibility department. Your diet plays a massive role:
The general rule: the smellier the fart, the more sulfur compounds it contains, and the more flammable it tends to be. Those silent-but-deadly ones? Often the most combustible.
The Real Dangers (This Is Not a Joke)
While fart-lighting might seem like harmless fun, the injuries are very real:
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🔥 Burns to Sensitive AreasThe flame ignites right next to extremely sensitive skin and, if wearing clothing, can set fabric on fire. Emergency rooms report burns ranging from first to third degree.
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👖 Clothing IgnitionSynthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are highly flammable. The brief fart flame can ignite clothing, turning a prank into a serious fire in seconds.
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🏥 Surgical DisastersIn 2016, a patient in Tokyo suffered serious burns during laser surgery when intestinal gas ignited from the surgical laser. Medical procedures now account for methane buildup during abdominal surgery.
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💥 Enclosed Space RisksIn extremely rare cases, methane buildup in enclosed spaces (like under blankets or in small rooms) can create larger-than-expected flare-ups.
A Brief History of Fart Fire
Humans have been lighting farts on fire for longer than you'd think:
Medieval jesters reportedly performed "fire-breathing from below" as entertainment in royal courts. The famous 12th-century English jester Roland the Farter held his land tenure from King Henry II specifically for performing "a jump, a whistle, and a fart" every Christmas. While we can't confirm he added fire, the tradition of flatulence performance art goes back centuries.
Roland the Farter held his land in Suffolk specifically for performing a Christmas fart for the King. Flatulence has been performance art for nearly 1,000 years.
In modern times, the "blue dart" became a college dorm staple in the 1970s, and YouTube has ensured the tradition will never die. The fart sounds may be funnier, but the visuals of a blue flame are undeniably iconic.
Safer Ways to Enjoy Fart Comedy
Look — we get it. Farts are objectively funny. But there are ways to get your laughs without a trip to the burn unit:
- 🔊 Use our fart soundboard for perfectly-timed sound effects
- 📱 Download fart sounds to prank friends via text
- 🐶 Watch pet fart compilations — animals are naturally hilarious
- 💨 Browse our fart products collection for prank gadgets
- 🧪 Learn more gas science without the fire hazard
If you want the visual effect without the danger, there are novelty "flame fart" toys that simulate the effect safely. Check our products page for options.