My coal forge almost burned down the shed because I forgot one simple thing
I was working on a set of fireplace tools in my backyard shop here in Boise, really getting into the rhythm of it. Had a good heat going in the old rivet forge, hammering away on a poker. Turned around to grab a different tong from the rack, maybe for ten seconds. Heard this loud whoosh and a crackle. The whole firepot had bridged over with clinker I hadn't broken up, and the coal gases built up and ignited all at once. A fireball shot straight up, licking the dry wood rafters of my open shed. I grabbed the hose I keep filled and ready, sprayed the ceiling down before the old timber could catch. Took me a solid hour to clean the mess and calm down. Now I check and break that clinker every five minutes, no exceptions. Anyone else have a close call that changed a basic habit for good?