by GroundquestMSA » Jan 28, 2014 1:25 pm
Many caves were originally explored with torches, candles, and lanterns. I found two very old torches left behind in the cave I just finished surveying. I'm not sure why anyone would want to use them for lighting anymore. As Chad says, many people carry a candle as an emergency heat source. Some people also use candles to mark routes (as seen when climbing over the Camps Gulf breakdown). Probably the Guide's objection to fire and smoking is a safety/environmental one. In many cases, fire in a cave can be dangerous, and most of us don't want cigarette smoke in the cave.
NSS guidelines reflect a changing set of values over time. Years ago, NSS cavers smoked in caves, and were not censured. Years ago, the NSS expedition into Crystal started a bloody big trash fire deep in the cave so they wouldn't have to haul out their junk. We all have to decide for ourselves what is acceptable, both in regard to our own personal well-being and that of the cave environment. If you want to explore a cave with torches and candles for nostalgic purposes, and feel you can safely do so, that's up to you. Realize though that any deviation from the currently stated values of the NSS will result in criticism from its members, if they find out. And if you get lost and stranded when your candles burn out, you can rightly expect ridicule from whoever reads about your rescue.