RE: Gasoline to start a fire . . .

[firefighterjake]

A few weeks back a person was suggesting it was safe to use gasoline to start a fire.

In a post I responded by saying it was a bad thing to do . . . since the manufacturers all state not to do it and it's just a plain dangerous thing to try.

I followed up by saying that usually at least once a year I hear of someone who gets severely burned while attempting to use gasoline to light their woodstove on fire . . . or brush pile in the spring. I predicted that this year would not be any different and we would see at least one person hurt . . .

Sadly, it didn't take long for my prediction to come true . . . and sadly, the person died.

http://bangordailynews.com/2014/11/19/news/aroostook/man-killed-in-st-francis-fire/

 

[Chimney Smoke]

I heard about that on the radio this morning. I wonder how many times in his life the old timer did that without an issue or if that was the first time?

 

[tarzan]

You were right. I read your post in another thread that suggested you feel personally guilty when things like this happen. I'm sure that deep down you know there are some people your never going to reach. The worst part to me is when they take others with them.

Through my brother in law who works as an EMT on an ambulance, and takes his job very seriously, I have developed a tremendous amount of respect for first responders. The stories I have heard made me realize I couldn't handle it and Thanks go out to you and others that do.

 

[Simonkenton]

We had a guy posting on here a couple weeks ago who uses kerosene to light his wood stove. Now, I would never do that.
But, he has done it for years with no problems.
But you gotta be nuts to use gasoline. It is so much more volatile than kerosene.
I feel sorry for the dog.

 

[Nick Mystic]

In my experience people who use accelerants to start a fire in their stove/insert/fireplace are people who think they have discovered a better mousetrap. I had a friend who had a device he bought that was made to put kerosene in under the grate in a fireplace to start a fire without kindling. Someone doesn't want to take the time to build a fire the normal way with kindling seeks out a quick "solution" often to overcome a defect in their setup, such as poor draft or wet wood.

 

[Ricky8443]

The problem is people are familiar with the flammability of kerosene. They then acquire gasoline and assume that its similar to kerosene. WRONG They light a match and booooom the fumes light in their face. A very dangerous thing.

Stoves are not sealed (obviously), so risking a flammable liquid dripping into the home is a careless, stupid, and dangerous act.