Forget garden tools and snow shovels , a trio of designers believes many of your household chores can be completed using a somewhat unlikely device - a flamethrower . The petrol-powered $ 699 ( £466 ) XM42 shoots streams of flaming fuel up to 25 feet ( 7.6 metres ) and its creators claim this can be used to clear snow , eliminate weeds and kill insects . And despite the potential dangers of such a device , the technology is legal and free to use across most of the US . The petrol-powered $ 699 ( £466 ) XM42 ( pictured ) shoots streams of flaming fuel up to 25 feet ( 7.6 metres ) and its creators claim this can be used to clear snow , eliminate weeds and kill insects . And despite the potential dangers of such a device , the technology is legal and free to use across most of the US . The XM42 was built by Cincinnati-based Ion Productions , run by Chris Byars , Tony Sroka and Jim Stewart . It is currently a prototype and the firm plans to launch an Indiegogo campaign to fund production of the finished model on Monday . Once the ignition is pressed , flames are fired at the press of a button between 20ft ( 6 metres ) and 25ft ( 7.6 metres ) from the nozzle . The XM42 was built by Cincinnati-based Ion Productions , run by Chris Byars , Tony Sroka and Jim Stewart . It is currently a prototype and the firm plans to launch an Indiegogo campaign for the device on Monday . It runs on 87 octane gasoline , which is available directly from gas stations across the US . There are generally no restrictions on flamethrower ownership in the United States . There are generally no restrictions on flamethrower ownership in the United States . However , California and Maryland both have legislation regarding the devices . In California people must get a licence to use flamethrowers , and unlicensed possession of 'any non-stationary and transportable device designed or intended to emit or propel a burning stream of combustible or flammable liquid a distance of at least 10ft ' is punishable with jail or a fine of up to $ 10,000 . That said , the firm said anyone interested in buying the XM42 should check with local laws before ordering and it is their 'responsibility to understand and abide by all regulations . ' However , California and Maryland both have legislation regarding the devices . In California people must get a licence to use flamethrowers , and unlicensed possession of 'any non-stationary and transportable device designed or intended to emit or propel a burning stream of combustible or flammable liquid a distance of at least 10ft ' is punishable with jail or a fine of up to $ 10,000 . That said , the firm said anyone interested in buying the XM42 should check with local laws before ordering and it is their 'responsibility to understand and abide by all regulations . ' It added that the device is solely intended for entertainment and utility purposes only . Such purposes listed on Ion Productions site include clearing snow or ice , eliminating weeds between pavement cracks , ground-clearing of foliage/agricultural , insect control , pyrotechnic event displays and lighting bonfires . 'It 's designed to be safe when used properly , ' said the firm . 'We strongly encourage using the XM42 outdoors away from others and away from anything that could be accidentally set on fire . Ion Productions said the device ( pictued ) is solely intended for entertainment and utility purposes only , including clearing snow or ice , eliminating weeds between pavement cracks , ground-clearing of foliage , insect control , pyrotechnic event displays and lighting bonfires . The XM42 ( nozzle pictured ) runs on 87 octane gasoline which is available directly from gas stations across the US . There are generally no restrictions on flamethrower ownership in the United States . However , owners in California must get a licence to use flamethrowers or face jail and a fine up to $ 10,000 .
The flamethrower was designed by Cincinnatiased Ion Productions . Device fires a stream of flaming fuel up to 25ft ( 7.6 metres ) from the nozzle . This can be used to clear snow , kill weeds and insects or light bonfires . It is due to launch on Indiegogo on Monday and prices start at $ 466 ( $ 699 ) Firm said it is legal in all states other than California and Maryand .