Camp and Utility Fire Safety
When portraying the 19th Century there is a very good chance one will have need to use a fire in camp or otherwise. Obviously, any fire is a potential hazard and must be treated with utmost care. Following are some guidelines when dealing with, or tending a fire in camp or elsewhere.
A. Starting a Fire
Fires for use by members of the Regiment, or Civilian Auxiliary should be started using tinder (newspaper, dry leaves, or wood shavings) and light kindling (being lightweight wood in small pieces more likely to catch and burn). It is advised that individuals never use accellerants (such as gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid) as these can cause fires to flare suddenly or even explode (especially gasoline). Additionally, it is suggested that wooden safety matches be used primarily in ignition of fires. Lighters may be used, but are not recommended. A lighter, with it's more intense and constant flame, can sometimes cause more severe burns if an accident should occur. Bottom line, it may take longer for a fire to be started in the "old fashioned way", but it's worth it for everyone. Also, becareful never to add too much fuel to a fire. A small steady fire is safer than a raging inferno; and is in fact better for cooking and most purposes as well.
B. Tending a Fire
Once a fire is burning, it is very important that someone always be tending that fire. An unattended fire could spread, or injure a guest. If you have need to leave a fire, it is better to extinguish it and restart that fire than to leave it for even a moment. So remember: ALL FIRES MUST BE TENDED AT ALL TIMES OR EXTINGUISHED.
C. Cooking Fires
When cooking anything greasy, be wary of splattering that could burn bystanders or yourself; and the potential for grease fires. Remember that grease fires should NEVER be doused with water in attempt to extiguish the fire, as the burning grease will simply float atop the water and spread the fire. Instead, smother grease fires with baking soda or with a pot lid to starve the flames of oxygen.
D. General Safety/Reacting to Fire Emergency
When working around a fire take special care to mind skirts, loose hair, and footing. In tight quarters, brushing skirts into the fire is all too easy. Also, with fire-irons and tent stakes, tripping and falling into the fire is a serious danger as well. Try to remain aware when working around a fire, for yourself as well as our guests. When demonstrating near a fire (such as cooking) it is best to try to keep guests at least oen foot from the edge of the fire-pit (when possible). If the worst should ahppen, reacting quickly and calmly will go a long way to keep an accident from becoming a tragedy. Remember that if clothing catches on fire, often dropping to the ground and rolling will extinguish the flames. A towel (damp if possible) can aso be used to smother the fire. Fires of clothing, objects. or even spreading fires (those out of contol) can also be fought with water (as long as it isn't grease or electrical) or fire extinguishers. A bucket of water, specifially for fire safety, should always be kept near any fire in operation. Fire extinguishers are loacted in both the civilian and military camps. Make sure to familiarize yourself with their locations at each event. IN ALL CASES OF FIRE, BE SURE TO DIAL 911.
Also, report all and any injuries to the Safety Officer (no matter how trivial it may seem).
Click to view "Camp Fire Safety"
When portraying the 19th Century there is a very good chance one will have need to use a fire in camp or otherwise. Obviously, any fire is a potential hazard and must be treated with utmost care. Following are some guidelines when dealing with, or tending a fire in camp or elsewhere.
A. Starting a Fire
Fires for use by members of the Regiment, or Civilian Auxiliary should be started using tinder (newspaper, dry leaves, or wood shavings) and light kindling (being lightweight wood in small pieces more likely to catch and burn). It is advised that individuals never use accellerants (such as gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid) as these can cause fires to flare suddenly or even explode (especially gasoline). Additionally, it is suggested that wooden safety matches be used primarily in ignition of fires. Lighters may be used, but are not recommended. A lighter, with it's more intense and constant flame, can sometimes cause more severe burns if an accident should occur. Bottom line, it may take longer for a fire to be started in the "old fashioned way", but it's worth it for everyone. Also, becareful never to add too much fuel to a fire. A small steady fire is safer than a raging inferno; and is in fact better for cooking and most purposes as well.
B. Tending a Fire
Once a fire is burning, it is very important that someone always be tending that fire. An unattended fire could spread, or injure a guest. If you have need to leave a fire, it is better to extinguish it and restart that fire than to leave it for even a moment. So remember: ALL FIRES MUST BE TENDED AT ALL TIMES OR EXTINGUISHED.
C. Cooking Fires
When cooking anything greasy, be wary of splattering that could burn bystanders or yourself; and the potential for grease fires. Remember that grease fires should NEVER be doused with water in attempt to extiguish the fire, as the burning grease will simply float atop the water and spread the fire. Instead, smother grease fires with baking soda or with a pot lid to starve the flames of oxygen.
D. General Safety/Reacting to Fire Emergency
When working around a fire take special care to mind skirts, loose hair, and footing. In tight quarters, brushing skirts into the fire is all too easy. Also, with fire-irons and tent stakes, tripping and falling into the fire is a serious danger as well. Try to remain aware when working around a fire, for yourself as well as our guests. When demonstrating near a fire (such as cooking) it is best to try to keep guests at least oen foot from the edge of the fire-pit (when possible). If the worst should ahppen, reacting quickly and calmly will go a long way to keep an accident from becoming a tragedy. Remember that if clothing catches on fire, often dropping to the ground and rolling will extinguish the flames. A towel (damp if possible) can aso be used to smother the fire. Fires of clothing, objects. or even spreading fires (those out of contol) can also be fought with water (as long as it isn't grease or electrical) or fire extinguishers. A bucket of water, specifially for fire safety, should always be kept near any fire in operation. Fire extinguishers are loacted in both the civilian and military camps. Make sure to familiarize yourself with their locations at each event. IN ALL CASES OF FIRE, BE SURE TO DIAL 911.
Also, report all and any injuries to the Safety Officer (no matter how trivial it may seem).
Click to view "Camp Fire Safety"
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