My old coal forge almost burned down my shed in Spokane last fall

For years I just banked the fire at night and left it, thinking the ash would smother it. One morning I found the firepot still glowing and the wooden floor under it charred. Now I always drown the fire completely with a bucket of water and stir the clinkers out before I leave the shop, no exceptions. Has anyone else had a close call like that with a banked fire?

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the_julia7mo ago

That's terrifying, honestly. Banking a fire overnight always seemed like such a standard practice, you know? Your story is a serious wake-up call. It only takes one tiny air pocket or a stray draft to keep things cooking. The water bucket routine sounds like the only safe bet now. Why risk your whole shop for a bit of saved time in the morning?

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wadescott7mo ago

How many fires start from that saved time?

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