What type of fuel does a drip torch use?

A drip torch utilizes a combination of gasoline and diesel as its fuel source. This mixture is specifically designed to provide both the ignitive properties of gasoline and the slower-burning, more controlled characteristics of diesel. By using this combination, the flame from the drip torch can be maintained at a consistent level, enabling firefighters to effectively apply fire in a controlled manner during various operations, such as creating fire breaks or conducting backburns. This versatility is crucial for managing fire spread and minimizing potential risks during wildland firefighting operations.

Other options are not suitable because using only gasoline would result in a quick, uncontrolled burn, which is not ideal for the nuanced application needed in firefighting. Diesel alone does not ignite as easily as gasoline, making it unsuitable for a tool that needs to create an immediate and consistent fire line. Propane and kerosene do not provide the necessary properties found in the gasoline-diesel mixture that make it effective for this application.