From: bearclaw@cruller.invalid
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Fireworks
Date: Mon, 05 Jul 2004 15:02:55 GMT

The risk of fire is pretty much constant here in the SF Bay area by 
this time of year. California in general has entered fire season much 
earlier this year.

So, when my neighbors have their traditional Independence Day BBQs with 
lots of beer (for many, 'way too much beer) and illegal 
fireworks--including everything airborne from bottle rockets to some 
pretty impressive pyrotechnic mortars--I break out the garden hose and 
wet everything down. 

With a measured 60 psi pressure at the hose bib both in front and back, 
and using the right nozzle, I can cover the entire 1-story shake roof 
from the ground. I also soak all the landscaping and fencing around the 
yard.

I start in the evening around sundown, just before the 
flash/snap/crackle/pop starts gaining momentum. Depending on the 
temperature of the fading day, I may need to soak everything a 
couple/three times before it all stays wet. This year, just once was 
sufficient.

I don't know how much good it does, but having survived a house fire as 
a kid (at twelve, the inside of our home in New Jersey was destroyed by 
an electrical fire that began in a kitchen light fixture), I have a 
great deal of respect for what fire can do. It certainly changed my 
life. I figure any moisture would give me an edge over an errant bottle 
rocket landing and igniting my roof.

Anyone else concerned about such stuff?