[at-l] Disposal of white gas

[Amy Skowronek]

On Mar 20, 2008, at 4:23 PM, Arthur Gaudet wrote:
>
>
> It's risky burning it off, esp. if you have more than a few ounces.  
> You can put
> an ounce or two on campfires as a starter but be aware the fumes  
> are heavier
> than air, so the fumes spread along the ground quite a distance if  
> there's no
> wind. This is what can cause accidents - you pour out some fuel,  
> cap the bottle,
> and then fumble for some matches. In the meantime the fumes are  
> flowing outwards
> along the ground. As you light the match nothing really happens  
> until you lower
> the flame towards the ground. Then a spectacular ring of fire light  
> up speeding
> towards the spot where you poured the fuel.
>
> It's a manageable thing, though, so don't be put off by this  
> description. It's
> actually a bit of fun as well.
>

A few years ago (okay, 20) I was hiking with a container of white gas  
and something cracked and it developed a leak. Not knowing much about  
the danger involved and not wanting to carry a leaking bottle of  
stinky white gas, I poured the gas into a concrete fireplace at a  
campground where we stayed for a night.

The next morning, it occurred to me that it could be a nasty surprise  
for the next person along.  Plus, I had leftover steak from the night  
before.  I put the steak on the grill, stood waaaay back, and lit a  
match.  I tossed the match from quite a ways away.. 8 feet?  10?  At  
any rate, far enough away that the resulting fireball didn't singe  
anything on me.  Everything vaguely flammable in the firepit started  
burning merrily, and in a few minutes I had a nice hot meaty breakfast.

Dumb luck, man.  If you can't be smart, be lucky.

-amy