[MR] Space Heater

[Brenna]

> Condolences as well, but please note, that the article stated mundane
> tent.
> Such tents do not have the breathability of canvas pavilions and they
> do come
> with warnings not to use such devices.

Yes, and actually for two reasons....not only is there a problem with
ventilation, but also because in case of  a fire, they melt and stick to
skin (which causes a much more severe burn than simply burning by
itself).

> If one must be used, proper
> ventilation must be supplied. That means opening the windows a bit to
> let any
> gases out.

I got in the habit of venting the windows a bit (except in severe storm
weather) anyway because nylon tents tend to create an icebox effect
where the tent, not ventilated, tends to actually drop to a lower temp
than the outside.  It's an old trick I learned while camping with the
Scouts as a child, and I still find that it really does hold true.

> Unfortunately, most people don't think about that, assuming that
> the nylon walls will breathe.

Actually, the clothing buffs who told me not to make synthetic chemises
for summer use should understand this very well....does not breathe so
you roast in it no matter how light it FEELS....right, Elspeth?

> As a result, trajedy has occurred. It's a shame
> it takes a death to get people to think about safety.

Yes, it is, but it seems that there are alot of misconceptions out there
still about what is actually safe or not.  I don't do fire inside a
mundane tent....no discussion.  Whether it is liquid, solid, or gaseous
fuel, it still produces byproducts of CO2 and others by the sheer
process of burning.  The O2 has to become something, after all, and
nylon is not a good breathable fabric.   I never store fuel canisters in
my tent.  Anyone who remembers me at Pennsic can tell you that mine were
7ft from my tent on the other side of my screen house.  Canisters can
leak or burst.   They can be faulty.   Why take the chance?  Of course,
you should never store them in your vehicle in warm or hot weather
either, but there is usually some alternative.  I don't believe in
usuing a flame light source in my tent because I have fallen asleep when
I didn't intend to and I have thrashed in my sleep at home and knocked a
candle 4 feet across a room (of course, I woke up immediately upon
making contact, but who wants to take that chance?).  Why take
unneccesary chances??  Is it really worth the chance that a tragedy
could occur?

Brenna