Durk, he pumps them up to get them started. They can burn anywhere from 7 to 12 hours depending on the lantern. Usually after we have enjoyed the evening, he puts them out. He remembers them as a kid going camping. Now days we go camping in an old 1990 Airstream. He pulled out one of his old lanterns, then got some of his dads old lanterns, then friends gave him their old lanterns which he restored, and the collection has grown from there.