Ground hornets! [emoji2962]

[WinterDeere]

I tried to convey similar advice about using diesel fuel to start fires instead of gasoline to my neighbor.

Morrisville High School (Bucks County PA) used to have a big homecoming bonfire every year. In 1985, it had been raining on the day scheduled for the bonfire, and everything was wet.

The story I got was that the local fire company helped to organize and execute the event, and some of the firefighters thought it would be a good idea to use gasoline to get the wet wood going. Hard to believe, I know... but Googling it now, I see my memory appears to have been correct.

In any case, there was a massive explosion, to the point where family living several blocks from the high school said they felt their house shake.

Nine people, including seven volunteer firefighters, were injured when... - UPI Archives

Nine people, including seven volunteer firefighters, were injured when gasoline used on a high school pep rally bonfire exploded....

www.upi.com

 

[Dftodd]

Morrisville High School (Bucks County PA) used to have a big homecoming bonfire every year. In 1985, it had been raining on the day scheduled for the bonfire, and everything was wet.

The story I got was that the local fire company helped to organize and execute the event, and some of the firefighters thought it would be a good idea to use gasoline to get the wet wood going. Hard to believe, I know... but Googling it now, I see my memory appears to have been correct.

In any case, there was a massive explosion, to the point where family living several blocks from the high school said they felt their house shake.

Nine people, including seven volunteer firefighters, were injured when... - UPI Archives

Nine people, including seven volunteer firefighters, were injured when gasoline used on a high school pep rally bonfire exploded....

www.upi.com

Neighbor would probably use maybe a 1/2 gallon to gallon of gas.

Thr Shockwave was enough to rattle the pictures on the walls inside of our house about 200ft away across the road.

They must have used a bunch of gas to get that fire going to feel it that far away.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Actually gasoline isn't good to start a fire, it burns too fast. Used motor oil or diesel fuel is much better. To start a big wood pile an old car tire in middle will keep it going.

 

[WinterDeere]

They must have used a bunch of gas to get that fire going to feel it that far away.

The article I linked said they had already dumped "10 - 15 gallons of gas" onto the bonfire before lighting, and then "fumes apparently were ignited when more gasoline was added". I remember hearing numbers around 20 gallons, at the time.

... and these were the firefighters.

 

[WinterDeere]

Actually gasoline isn't good to start a fire, it burns too fast. Used motor oil or diesel fuel is much better. To start a big wood pile an old car tire in middle will keep it going.

Yeah, really poor judgement and experience, in that crowd. Diesel would be better than gas, but even that usually goes out before wet wood is sufficiently lit.

When I need to get wet wood lit and burning, I find the best method is to build a fire with dry wood under it, using either firewood that's been stacked out of the weather or lumber scraps from my shop. You need a fixed load of fuel with enough energy to dry and then heat the primary load, and that's going to be hard to do with a one-time addition of any liquid fuel.

A car tire would definitely get it done! I remember doing that at a buddy's house when we were young and drunk, but it burned so hot and smokey it was hard to be anywhere near it.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Yeah, really poor judgement and experience, in that crowd. Diesel would be better than gas, but even that usually goes out before wet wood is sufficiently lit.

When I need to get wet wood lit and burning, I find the best method is to build a fire with dry wood under it, using either firewood that's been stacked out of the weather or lumber scraps from my shop. You need a fixed load of fuel with enough energy to dry and then heat the primary load, and that's going to be hard to do with a one-time addition of any liquid fuel.

A car tire would definitely get it done! I remember doing that at a buddy's house when we were young and drunk, but it burned so hot and smokey it was hard to be anywhere near it.

That's what I do as well, I bring a few dry piece and make a small fire on the side where the wind is coming from, and I will use cardboard boxes to spread the fire down wind in the pile. If I can get my hands on plastic I will use that as well but I don't like tires because of the wires once it's burnt out.

 

[Dftodd]

That's what I do as well, I bring a few dry piece and make a small fire on the side where the wind is coming from, and I will use cardboard boxes to spread the fire down wind in the pile. If I can get my hands on plastic I will use that as well but I don't like tires because of the wires once it's burnt out.

I use a garden sprayer filled with diesel and fog the flames to really get them hot.

 

[Dftodd]

Don't try this at home

 

[DarkBlack]

To start a big wood pile an old car tire in middle will keep it going.

That’s old school.
Used EV battery now.. in the middle. It’ll dry out a wet wood pile, and keep it burning steady for 12 hours from what I’ve heard

 

[BackRoad]

Dropped a small pine tree on my slash pile...thought while I was there, I would "tighten up" the pile and push it together.

Oh man, was that a bad call...

Looked up and the grapple was swarmed with wasps...and it didn't take them long to find the operator!

It took 2 eternities too long to stop and shift into high range, then it was a race back to the house!

Apple Cider Vinegar seems to help sooth wasp stings...