By John Christmann
This is the time of year when we start burning logs in the fireplace. There is something warm and cozy about controlled conflagrations indoors. In our house we will soon tempt flames further with wool fire hazards hanging from the mantle and a dying tree in our living room.
Let’s face it. Fire is dangerous, and it is important to teach fire safety to our loved ones.
For example, at this time of year I take the time to teach my kids how to responsibly start a fire in the fireplace, so that one day they will be able to safely threaten their own homes over the holidays. I demonstrate how to use paper and kindling twigs to initiate a small, sustained flame under a loose stack of aged oak.
Soon soft amber flames are licking up the logs behind the safety of a fire screen as substantial wisps of smoke seek their way up the chimney.
Then, when the living room becomes foggy and the coughing begins, I show the kids how to carefully reach up into the chimney mouth to open the flu which has been closed all summer. I loudly inform them of the heat conductivity of metal handles and the proper way to administer Solarcaine.
I am also sharply reminded why we maintain working smoke detectors throughout the house. I tell the kids that really effective alarms automatically call the fire department.
About this time we hear the muffled sound of sirens emanating from massive trucks rumbling up the street. My kids peer with wonder and excitement out the frosty windows. Blinding red lights flash rhythmically in front of our house with holiday spirit.
Soon the doorbell rings and several large men dressed as Santa Claus politely ask if everything is OK. They are wearing helmets and carrying axes. My son wants to know if we should drop to the floor beneath the light remains of smoke, crawl to the exits, and meet up at the neighbor’s as we have trained.
It’s not a bad idea, I think to myself. Maybe we should bring them eggnog too. After all, it is the season to be safe and warm together.
