We have just discovered the hard way that our county building codes prohibit propane fueled log lighters. Why is that?
Many places in the country do allow them. The reason some areas do not is that all indoor propane gas appliances are required to have a pilot light. You cannot have a pilot light inside the firebox on a wood fire. So it is a catch 22. I have concerns concerning L.P. (propane) gas log lighters for wood fires. L.P. gas is heavier than air. If ashes buildup over the lighter and you hold a match over the ashes, it is possible for the L.P. gas to run out of the fireplace and to the floor (much the same as a glass of water would). By the time the L.P. gas fills the area to the height of the match. A very dangerous situation could occur. Without the ash covering the burner, the risk is greatly reduced.
