Former prisoner reveals how you can start a fire with a CONDOM

A former prisoner has shared some strange tips he picked up from his time behind bars – including how to start a fire with a condom.

Andre Smith has used TikTok to pass the time as he waits to see if he and some of his fellow Kiwis will be deported back to New Zealand from the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre in Western Australia.

Under the username Detentioncentrejourney501 – 501 being the section of the Australian Migration Act that allows their visas to be cancelled – the detainees regularly provide an insight into their lives.

In the latest clip Smith revealed that on a hot day a fire can be started with just a piece of paper and a condom filled with water.

‘Starting a fire with a condom or cling wrap or magnifying glass. At the detention centre we only have access to a condom – don’t ask me why,’ Smith, who runs the TikTok account is heard saying in the video.

He then fills the condom with water and ties a knot before taking it outside, noting it was a scorching hot 40C day.

Kiwi Andre Smith has revealed how to start a fire with a condom filled with water. He is currently being detained at a Western Australian detention centre

He then holds the condom of water over the piece of paper to angle the light from the sunshine onto the sheet.

‘You want to make sure the dot (of light) on the paper is as small as possible,’ Smith said.

‘It takes about three to five minutes depending on the hot sun. Just keep as still as possible and in the same spot and before you know it you have fire.’ 

Smith said the tip could be useful for those camping or out in the wilderness who didn’t have a lighter, noting he picked it up during his time in the army.

By hanging the condom over the page to reflect the sunshine, the paper can be lit on fire, Smith explained

He’s shared several other videos to his 48,000 followers, showing what they use to stick up photos, how they give each other haircuts and even how to make homemade honey.

Smith was sentenced to three years in an Australian prison and is now waiting to be sent back to New Zealand, despite having spent most of his life across the ditch.

Non-Australian citizens who spent 12 months behind bars are subjected to deportation, despite having already served their prison sentence.

Even Kiwis who have spent most of their life in Australia are often forced to leave.