Man Starts Fire, Boils Water On a Frozen Lake With Nothing But Matches. How!?

A frozen lake is probably one of the most peaceful and relaxing sites available to humans. One thinks of ice fishing or ice skating with friends. Fire does not come to mind except for maybe a little fire pit to the side to keep one warm.

However, as one is about to see in the video below, some lakes equal fire. Not just a little fire, but boiling water in a kettle fire!

Check it out!

Now, I know what everyone is thinking. What is causing this flame to erupt from under the ice? Is it pollution?

The cause behind the flames is actually quite natural.

At the bottom of the lake is a whole bunch of dead, organic material. When this material decomposes, it releases methane gas that would typically leave the lake gradually and enter the atmosphere. However, when the lake is frozen over, the methane gets trapped.

Finding the gas pockets and setting them on fire is very easy and interesting. One can even see as the gas gradually disappears from under the ice. It is super cool!

Before anyone goes out to his or her local lake to try this out, a word of caution!

Just because the ice looks safe, doesn’t mean it is. Make sure it is safe to walk one. Also, lighting off methane gas should be done with extreme care. The guy in the video has the right idea. Light is off and back away quick!