Describe symbolism in The Curse of Lono by Hunter S. Thompson

In the chapter titled, The Land of Po, the treacherous weather gives the group an excuse to mescaline. As a result, they spend a night in drugaddled state, with Hunter tending the fire of the hibachi on the off chance that someone will catch a fish. The author admits that the open flame was dangerously suicidal considering the circumstances, but in their drugged minds the fire had become a symbol of hope and survival.