[MR] End of Event Protip: Disposal of burning ash

[JL Badgley]

On Mon, Oct 10, 2011 at 5:46 PM, Logan <Logan at ebonwoulfe.com> wrote:

> glad you caught that before damage was done.  it was shockingly
> irresponsible and dangerous of someone to put hot ash in the bushes if they
> were aware that the coals were not cold and dead.  the water, however, was
>

On the subject of knowing if ash is hot: I was taught to put the back of the
hand down close to (and even onto) the ashes to feel for warmth.  Do this
slowly and carefully, to feel for residual heat.  Just because the ashes
aren't flaming (or even smoking) doesn't mean they are safe.

We once took the remains of our fire, poured water on it, and covered it in
sand and dirt.  We thought that would be enough--it didn't seem to be
smoking and everything felt cool at ground level.  The next morning we saw
smoke coming from the sand, and we were able to dig up the remains of the
fire, add kindling, and get it started as another fire (this had not been
done on purpose).  Fortunately for us, the fire had a good, clear area
around it, so it was only burning the embers and holding onto the residual
heat, but we could easily have been in a very dangerous situation if any dry
brush had blown in overnight, or if there were any roots underground that
could burn.

Make sure that your ash is dead and cold before throwing it out, please!


-Ii