Pitch Proves Best Extinguisher For Magnesium Bombs

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Granulated or flaked pitch is now regarded by the U. S. Bureau of Mines as the best extinguisher for magnesium incendiary bombs. Spread over the burning bomb, the layer of hard coal-tar pitch will melt at about 300 degrees Fahrenheit and form an airtight blanket that quickly smothers the flame. Before attacking a bomb, a minute’s wait is advisable to let the thermit burn itself out. Then, if the bomb is on concrete metal, use a long-handled shovel to spread - not throw - a layer of pitch on it, following with another layer if a short flame persists. Then it can be allowed to cool for 10 minutes, even if smoking, before removing in a bucket. If the bomb is on a wood floor, a layer of pitch should first be spread on to stop heat and glare, then spread pitch on the floor near-by, rake the bomb into it and cover the mass with more pitch. Protective clothing and goggles should be worn, since some incendiary bombs contain mild explosive, charges. The Bureau of Mines recom-mends keeping 25- or 50-pound lots of pitch in boxes or bags with a shovel nearby.

Title (Dublin Core): Pitch Proves Best Extinguisher For Magnesium Bombs
Subject (Dublin Core): en Technology; en Anti-aircraft
Article Title and/or Image Caption (Dublin Core): Pitch Proves Best Extinguisher For Magnesium Bombs
Language (Dublin Core): Eng
Temporal Coverage (Dublin Core): World War II
Date Issued (Dublin Core): 1942-04
Is Part Of (Dublin Core): Popular Mechanics, vol. 77, n. 4, 1942
pages (Bibliographic Ontology): 80
Rights (Dublin Core): Public domain
Source (Dublin Core): Google books
References (Dublin Core): United States Bureau of Mines
Archived by (Dublin Core): Enrico Saonara

Item sets: Wars of Wonders; full text

Media: Pitch Proves Best Extinguisher For Magnesium Bombs