Detecting Fire Safety 101, Friday, Period 2
When Jack came into the danger shop today, he was six inches taller and had a crisper accent thanks to the fan's preferences. The danger shop had been programmed to look like a forest, and class was meeting in a large clearing.
He was also fully decked out in firefighter gear.
"Welcome to class," he boomed. "Today, we're going to talk about fire safety in the out-of-doors. A bonfire may seem like a cheerful part of a summer night -- but danger lurks. The location needs to be taken into consideration prior to building a fire. A good rule to follow is to keep the fire a minimum of eight meters from any type of building or vehicle. Avoid building the fire near low-hanging branches, tall grass, or brush. Basically, stay away from items that can easily catch on fire. If you're camping near the firepit, set up tents a good distance from the flames.
"Building a proper firepit is one of the best precautions to take. Instead of building the fire on the surface of the ground, dig a hole at least 12 to 18 inches deep. The diameter of the firepit should be at least two feet wider than the fire will be. Place small rocks or gravel in the bottom of the pit for proper drainage. Make a circle of larger stones around the perimeter of the pit. Don't pile firewood too high. A small amount of wood, combined with kindling materials, will start a good fire. Don't let flames exceed three feet in height or width.
"To stay safe, keep one or two five-gallon buckets of water or sand nearby. Either of these will help extinguish flames that get out of control. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is another good idea. Don't have flammable materials near the firepit. Gas, lighter fluid, and alcohol are combustible items that will feed the fire. Do have a shovel nearby. Once the bonfire burns out, use a shovel to turn the materials in the firepit so blowing embers won't sweep out of the pit and start a rogue fire elsewhere."
He beamed once that recitation was finished. "And now, go and build your own bonfires. I'll be on hand to help if you need it."
He was also fully decked out in firefighter gear.
"Welcome to class," he boomed. "Today, we're going to talk about fire safety in the out-of-doors. A bonfire may seem like a cheerful part of a summer night -- but danger lurks. The location needs to be taken into consideration prior to building a fire. A good rule to follow is to keep the fire a minimum of eight meters from any type of building or vehicle. Avoid building the fire near low-hanging branches, tall grass, or brush. Basically, stay away from items that can easily catch on fire. If you're camping near the firepit, set up tents a good distance from the flames.
"Building a proper firepit is one of the best precautions to take. Instead of building the fire on the surface of the ground, dig a hole at least 12 to 18 inches deep. The diameter of the firepit should be at least two feet wider than the fire will be. Place small rocks or gravel in the bottom of the pit for proper drainage. Make a circle of larger stones around the perimeter of the pit. Don't pile firewood too high. A small amount of wood, combined with kindling materials, will start a good fire. Don't let flames exceed three feet in height or width.
"To stay safe, keep one or two five-gallon buckets of water or sand nearby. Either of these will help extinguish flames that get out of control. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is another good idea. Don't have flammable materials near the firepit. Gas, lighter fluid, and alcohol are combustible items that will feed the fire. Do have a shovel nearby. Once the bonfire burns out, use a shovel to turn the materials in the firepit so blowing embers won't sweep out of the pit and start a rogue fire elsewhere."
He beamed once that recitation was finished. "And now, go and build your own bonfires. I'll be on hand to help if you need it."