Okay so if I am planning to be stranded in the wilderness I should pack a kit that includes a balloon? Why wouldn't I bring a magnifying glass or maybe even a lighter? Oh maybe if I am stranded in a land of party supply stores now I know how to start a fire with a balloon.

What is better to know is that you can shape a chunk of ice into a lens and use it to concentrate the sun's rays into a spot hot enough to burn tinder. But water balloons are much more fun than boring old ice.