Buying a Burn Barrel
This is a story about the burn barrel and the Naked Fireman! As we were getting ready to travel to our land in Arkansas we decided it was time to get a burn barrel because trash has been collecting. On this trip we would be staying in our RV. So it would be likely that we would have even more trash to burn. we would like to have a more expensive one that would last for years. However, at this time will settle for a cheap re-purposed oil barrel.
I was able to find one at the Tractor Supply store for only 19.95. Which by the way seems to be a wonderful store that I have never visited in the past. They have all kinds of stuff there and I will be returning to do shopping therapy.
Making Air Holes
The barrel did not have any air holes near the bottom and I’ve figured from my past experience as a youth with a burn barrel that this would be an important addition. So I bought a huge screwdriver which I thought I could use to punch holes into it.
On the first day there I said it up in a good place on a flat rock. I grabbed my hammer and the new screwdriver and proceeded to attempt making a hole. I was quickly discouraged. All I managed to do was create something of a dent.
Later that day my wife decided she was going to try it out without the holes. It burned pretty well but I was determined it would be better with holes. So I tracked the 8 miles into town to visit the local true value hardware store. They are great people run the place and I have quickly become a regular to their delight and pocketbook.
Rick, the proprietor is a very knowledgeable and helpful fellow. He sold me a metal drill bit and then suggested that the best way to use it is by adding oil regularly to the tip. I bought the bit and several other things I came in for and headed back to Camp .
Rick was right. I managed to put a Ring of Half inch holes Around the bottom of the barrel. Later that evening I filled up the barrel with lots of paper and discarded boxes and lit a fire. I also dumped in a bag full of trash that had been laying around for several days. Then being a good boy scout that I am I sat down to observe the fire. I’m always cautious when burning and keep a hose handy, just in case. It was a great fire with flames reaching a foot or two above the top. Not to worry there were not sparks or embers floating out and I added my own fire by having a pipe as I watched.
When it finally burned down and the flames were reduced to below the top, I headed into the camper for a much need shower and rest.
No Rest for the Weary
Just as I was stepping into the shower there was a large boom! “ what was that I exclaimed?“
“Fire! The grass is on fire, my wife cried out!
Immediately I ran for the door looking out the window as I passed by. Sure enough there was a small grass fire a few feet from the RV. Now I remembered too late there was an empty paint spray can in the trash bag!
I headed towards the circuit breaker about 20 yards away on a telephone pole so I could turn on the pump to the well. The gravel driveway was very hard on my bare feet. Then in my eagerness I had difficulty getting the door to the circuit breakers open. Meanwhile Brenda was frantically urging me on.
What seemed like forever was probably only a minute or two. Then in all my glorious undressed self I crossed the driveway grabbed the hose and put out the grass fire. 