How to Light an Orion Road Flare: A Step-by-Step Guide and Video
Road flares are essential safety tools for alerting oncoming traffic during emergencies, breakdowns, or roadside work. Orion Road Flares, in particular, are popular for their reliability and ease of use. This short tutorial will walk you through how to light an Orion Road Flare safely and effectively. Below is a video on how to light a flare.Video Demonstration
Below is a quick demonstration of how to light an Orion Road Flare properly.1. Gather Your Materials
- Orion Road Flare (unopened and intact)
- Protective gloves (recommended if available)
- Eye protection (recommended if available)
2. Preparation
- Inspect the flare: Check the packaging to ensure it’s intact and that the flare has not been compromised by moisture or physical damage.
- Find a safe location: Stand in a clear area away from flammable materials, pedestrians, and moving vehicles when you light the flare.
- Position your body correctly: Point the flare downward and away from your face and body. If you’re near a vehicle, make sure it’s a safe distance from any fuel sources.
3. Lighting the Flare
- Remove the cap: Take off the plastic cap at the top of the flare. You’ll see a scratch surface (striker) on the inside of the cap.
- Ignite the flare: Firmly press the flare’s tip against the striker surface on the cap. Quickly strike the tip across the rough surface, similar to lighting a match.
- Let the flare catch: Once ignited, the flare will start to burn bright. Continue holding it away from your face, body, and combustible objects.
4. Setting Up the Flare
- Place the flare: After it’s lit, carefully place the flare on the ground with the lit end facing outward and or upward. (Some models have built-in wire stands.)
- Secure the area: Position it where oncoming traffic can clearly see it, typically behind or around your vehicle to create a visible alert zone.
- Use Multiple Flares if Available: When available, use multiple flares spread out 8-20 feet apart.
5. Safety and Usage Tips
- Always aim the flare away from yourself and others.
- Use protective gloves if available to avoid accidental injury.
- Keep a safe distance from passing cars.
- Never leave a lit flare unattended.
- Dispose of the flare properly once it’s completely burned out.
Video Instruction: How to Light a Road Flare
Where to Get Your Road Flares
For more information on Orion Road Flares and other types of emergency road items, visit Traffic Safety Store . Our selection of road flares is designed to keep you safe on the road, whether you’re facing a sudden breakdown or managing traffic flow at a accident scene or worksite. For more helpful Traffic Safety Store videos visit our Video Resource Page. For More information on Orion Flares see our Guide to Highway Flares.Ready to refresh your equipment? Visit TrafficSafetyStore.com today to browse our full range of traffic safety products and ensure your equipment meets the highest standards of visibility and safety.
Stay Safe. Stay Compliant. Choose Traffic Safety Store.

Case (36) 30-Minute Road Flares
Case (36) 30-Minute Road Flares
Quick Facts:
- Case contains 36 Orion flares
- Waxed Flare w/Plastic Cap
- 30 Minute Burn Time - Non Perchlorate Formula
- Choose with or without Wire Stand
Please note:
Due to US Department of Transportation HAZMAT shipping restrictions, road flares are not returnable.

Orion Deluxe Roadside Emergency Kit
Orion Deluxe Roadside Emergency Kit
Quick Facts:
- Don't get caught broken down on the side of the road without our 81 piece breakdown kit
- Contains (to just name a few..) Flares & road triangle, Flashlight, Lightstick, Emergency Blanket, Safety Vest, Jumper Cables & more (see complete list below)

Orion 20-Minute Road Flares - Pack of 6
Orion 20-Minute Road Flares - Pack of 6
Quick Facts:
- High Visibility Red Nylon Carrying Case
- Contains six (6) road flares
- Each flare will burn for 20 minutes
- High Visibility Orange Vest included for added safety!

Individually Wrapped Orion 15-Minute Road Flares
Individually Wrapped Orion 15-Minute Road Flares
Quick Facts:
- Exact same flares as Orion 0715 simply individually bagged so no HAZMAT shipping surcharges apply
- Case contains 36 Orion flares
- Waxed Flare w/Plastic Cap
- 15 Minute Burn Time - Non Perchlorate Formula
- No Spike & No Wire Stand, simply lays flat

Orion 30-Minute Road Flares - Pack of 3
Orion 30-Minute Road Flares - Pack of 3
Quick Facts:
- Bag contains three (3) road flares
- Each flare will burn for 30 minutes