TheBanyanTree: Do You Know Where Your Fire Extinguisher Is?

[Laura]

On 24 Aug 2009 at 8:54, Monique Colver wrote:

> So where's your fire extinguisher?

One is hanging on the kitchen wall opposite the stove, and one is on the hearth next to the 
fireplace.  The fireplace has gas logs now instead of burning wood, but still.

There is not one however, near the grill.  I suppose I should get one for out there, but isn't 
having a fire the whole point of a grill?  Sure, sure, you're not supposed to set the house 
afire with it, but otherwise, fire is good when there are grills involved.

I have two of those chimney starters.  They work great for getting the coals ready, but 
indeed, what the heck are you supposed to do with them once you dump the coals out?

Yesterday we grilled hamburgers and corn.  It was delicious.  But when I went down to 
check on the coals, the chimney starter looked like a little jet engine with the afterburners 
engaged.  The coals were all red and white, except for three or four on the top, and there 
were red flames shooting out the top.  I dumped the coals out and spread them around, then 
there I was, standing there like an idiot with a tube of red-hot metal.  Now what?  I couldn't 
just set it down on the concrete of the patio, because I have curious puppies who would 
probably run over to lick it.  Why, I have no idea, but I'm sure they would.  That would have 
mean a trip to the vet to bandage up scalded tongues, and the burgers would have burned.

I finally decided to put it down on a concrete stepping stone which is in the middle of an 
elevated rock garden in front of the brick part of the house, next to the patio.  The dogs 
have a great time running in from the yard and plowing into that rock garden, so I don't know 
why I thought they wouldn't get up in it, but fortunately they didn't think to do that while the 
tube of red-hot jet engine metal was sitting there.

Isn't that something that should be on the side of the chimney starter?  "Please make sure 
you have someplace fire proof, dog proof, and kid proof to set this red-hot metal tube after 
dumping the coals out."  I guess if they put that warning on it, no one would buy them.

Monique, I'm glad none of you burned up, and that your house is only singed.  I'm very 
impressed that your charming husband was able to save the lamb, too.  I like lamb.

-- 
Laura
wolfljsh at gmail.com
http://wolfsinger.wordpress.com