Show bruni iruni ahe THE OF COAL OIL the horrifying accident of recent occurrence in salt lake suggests that there are yet a number of people w ho do not understand a much as they should about the properties of coal oil it is ignorance that makes this fluid that has been the direct instrument of BO many baich calamities as that of monday last any more dao cerous than wood shavings or any other readily combustible material the fluid itself is practically no more explosive than so much water it is the vapor of the oil that explodes moreover the vapor ft oil will not explode only where it has been more or less mixed with common nir that so called fluid oil is less explosive alian alie common kerosene ia because it Is so very volatile that when a portion cf the oil is removed from the can leaving space for the accumulation of the oily it is so soon occupied niah that product eliat there is no probability of there ever being a mixture of air and vapor when lucli an oil can is at the opening the vapor burns in a dull quiet flame at the surface just as wood burns on the surface where the air ran raach it and never in its center where there is no air on alie other hand in the upper portion of a half filled oil can of the lesi volatile sort only a portion of the gas occupying the space is oily vapor the balance is air mingled all through it hence when it is ignited the fire does not burn on the but penetrates almost instantly to every part of the fluid consuming it at a flash any combustible material that produces vapor will explode in the same way while eliat which does not produce vapor will not explode such artificial products as gunpowder the properties of which we shall not take the space to explain are exceptions i in general never bring a kerosene can near where there is a flance never take a candle into a room or vault where much oil is stored if desirable to kindle a fire with coal oil never pour the oil directly from the can onto the wood except where there is no possibility of there being a spark of fire shouldering ing in the cinders take a small amount of oil into a eancer or similar dish and convey it in that way to the fireplace if there is shouldering ing fire or hot ashes in the fireplace or stove either of which will cause alie vapor to arise when the oil comes in contact with it be particular to have matches at hand to lalit the ol 01 the moment it is added to the fuel otherwise the apor will arise and mis with the air in he stovepipe and when the match is applied an explosion will follow blowing the lids off the stove and very likely shooting a flame into the face of alio person who is making the fire always bear in mind that it is the vapor that explodes and safety from accidents such as that of monday last is insured in view of the fact that thero ia not and cannot be a household without at least one member thereof who will not be confined to rules the safest and most practicable regulation is that which forbids absolutely the use of coal oil in the starting of fires |