Can Torches Still Burn in the Rain? What to Know
Sep 25, 2026
Can Torches Still Burn in the Rain? A Model-by-Model Guide
Can torches still burn in the rain? Some can, and some should be put out and covered. The answer comes down to the fuel system and the design. A gas torch built for outdoor weather can keep its flame going through a passing storm. A liquid-fuel torch can stay outside in the rain, but it should be extinguished and protected with a canvas cover so water stays out of the fuel reservoir and wick.
This guide explains which HaloFire torches are built to burn in the rain, which need a rain cap, and how to protect liquid-fuel torches when the weather turns.
Key Takeaways
- Whether a torch can burn in the rain depends on its fuel system and design, not just on whether it's an "outdoor" product.
- HaloFire's Torrent™ Wall Mounted Torch, Torrent™ Stand-Alone, and Torrent Tower™ each have a hood that covers the flame from rain, so they keep burning in wet weather.
- The Tempo™ Tall Torch comes with a rain cap and keeps burning in the rain with the cap in place.
- The Hollywood™ Tall Torch and Vortek™ NG/LP Gas Torch need a rain cap for rain exposure.
- Liquid-fuel (oil) torches can stay outside in the rain with a canvas cover in place. Put the flame out and cover the torch before rain arrives.
- In any weather, never leave a real flame unattended.
The Short Answer: It Depends on the Fuel
Gas torches and liquid-fuel torches respond to rain in completely different ways.
A gas torch draws fuel from a sealed supply line or propane cylinder, so rain never touches the fuel. Whether it keeps burning in the rain depends on how the fixture protects the flame from water coming down from above. A hood or rain cap is what does that job.
A liquid-fuel torch burns fuel drawn up from an open reservoir through a wick. Water that gets into the reservoir or soaks the wick interferes with that system. That's why liquid-fuel torches should be extinguished and covered with a canvas cover when it rains.
Gas Torches Built for the Rain: Torrent™ and Tempo™
These HaloFire gas torches are built to keep burning in the rain, so a passing shower doesn't have to end the evening.
The Torrent™ family is designed with a hood that covers the flame from rain. The flame keeps spinning beneath it while the weather comes down around it.
- Torrent™ Wall Mounted Torch: The architectural wall-mounted vortex torch for entrances, columns, and courtyard walls, in 24, 32, and 48-inch glass heights. Its hood covers the flame from rain, so it keeps burning in wet weather.
- Torrent™ Stand-Alone: HaloFire's most popular gas torch. It stands about 78 inches tall and runs on a concealed 20-pound propane cylinder, with no gas line required. Its hood covers the flame from rain, so it keeps burning in wet weather.
- Torrent Tower™: A permanent-install vertical vortex feature, about 56 inches tall, for natural gas or propane. Its hood covers the flame from rain, so it keeps burning in wet weather.
- Tempo™ Tall Torch: A tall, permanent gas torch of about 75 inches that comes with a rain cap and keeps burning in the rain with the cap in place.
Gas torches still produce real heat and real flame in wet weather. Keep an adult present whenever they're lit.
Gas Torches That Need a Rain Cap: Hollywood™ and Vortek™ NG/LP
Two HaloFire gas torches need a rain cap before they're exposed to rain:
- Hollywood™ Tall Torch: A tall architectural gas torch especially suited to new construction. Fit it with a rain cap for rain exposure.
- Vortek™ NG/LP Gas Torch: A compact, post-mounted vortex gas torch. Fit it with a rain cap for rain exposure.
If you're specifying either model for an open outdoor location, include the rain cap in the order. Without it, rain can get into the fixture.
Liquid-Fuel Torches: Cover Them in the Rain
HaloFire's portable liquid-fuel torches can stay outside in the rain as long as they're protected with a canvas cover. This includes the Helion™, Vortek™ Liquid-Fuel Torch, Lotus™, Big Revo™, and Triton™. The cover keeps water out of the fuel reservoir and wick, so the torch is ready to light once the weather clears.
When rain is in the forecast:
- Extinguish the flame before the rain arrives.
- Put a canvas cover over the torch.
- Keep fuel containers closed and out of the rain.
If you suspect water has gotten into the fuel reservoir, don't light the torch. Contact HaloFire before using it again.
Rain Readiness at a Glance
| Torch | Fuel | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Torrent™ Wall Mounted | Natural gas or propane | Keeps burning in the rain (hood covers the flame) |
| Torrent™ Stand-Alone | 20 lb propane cylinder | Keeps burning in the rain (hood covers the flame) |
| Torrent Tower™ | Natural gas or propane | Keeps burning in the rain (hood covers the flame) |
| Tempo™ Tall Torch | Natural gas or propane | Keeps burning in the rain (rain cap included) |
| Hollywood™ Tall Torch | Natural gas or propane | Requires a rain cap |
| Vortek™ NG/LP Gas Torch | Natural gas or propane | Requires a rain cap |
| Liquid-fuel torches (Helion™, Vortek™ Liquid-Fuel, Lotus™, Big Revo™, Triton™) | HaloFire liquid fuel | Can stay outside with a canvas cover; extinguish before rain |
What to Do When Rain Starts
- Know your torch. Confirm whether it's a gas or liquid-fuel model.
- Torrent™ Wall Mounted, Stand-Alone, and Tower: Their hoods cover the flame from rain, so they can keep burning. Stay with the flame as you normally would.
- Tempo™: Make sure the included rain cap is in place, and it can keep burning.
- Hollywood™ and Vortek™ NG/LP: Make sure the rain cap is installed before rain exposure.
- Liquid-fuel torches: Put them out and cover them with a canvas cover. They can stay outside once covered.
- Any torch: Never leave a real flame unattended, rain or shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can torches still burn in the rain?
Some can. HaloFire's Torrent™ Wall Mounted, Torrent™ Stand-Alone, and Torrent Tower™ each have a hood that covers the flame from rain, so they keep burning in wet weather. The Tempo™ comes with a rain cap and keeps burning with the cap in place. The Hollywood™ and Vortek™ NG/LP gas torches need a rain cap for rain exposure. Liquid-fuel torches should be extinguished and covered with a canvas cover; they can stay outside once covered.
Will rain put out a liquid-fuel torch?
It can. More importantly, water in the fuel reservoir or wick can keep the torch from lighting or burning properly afterward. Put liquid-fuel torches out before rain arrives and cover them with a canvas cover. They can stay outside once covered.
Are gas torches better in the rain than liquid-fuel torches?
Gas fuel is sealed in a line or cylinder, so rain never reaches it. That gives well-designed gas torches a real advantage in wet weather. Design still matters, though: a hood or rain cap is what keeps rain off the flame itself.
Do I need a rain cap?
The Hollywood™ Tall Torch and Vortek™ NG/LP Gas Torch need one for rain exposure. The Tempo™ comes with a rain cap. The Torrent™ Wall Mounted, Stand-Alone, and Tower don't need one, because each has a built-in hood that covers the flame from rain.
Can I leave my liquid-fuel torch outside?
Yes, with a canvas cover in place. The cover keeps rain out of the fuel reservoir and wick. Make sure the flame is out before you cover it.
What if water gets into my liquid-fuel torch?
Don't light it. Contact HaloFire before using it again.
Can I leave a gas torch burning in the rain overnight?
No. Rain or shine, never leave a real-flame fire feature unattended or burning overnight. Turn off the gas when you're done for the evening.
Keep the Flame Going, Rain or Shine
A passing shower doesn't have to end the evening. The Torrent™ Wall Mounted, Stand-Alone, and Tower are hooded to cover the flame from rain, and the Tempo™ comes ready with its own rain cap. Hollywood™ and Vortek™ NG/LP are ready once their rain caps are in place, and a canvas cover keeps HaloFire liquid-fuel torches protected outdoors between uses. Explore HaloFire outdoor fire features to find the right torch for your space.
