Pollution Essay: The Importance Of Fire

Fire is especially important in cold weather. It not only provides a means to prepare food, but also to get warm and to melt snow or ice for water. It also provides you with a significant psychological boost by making you feel a little more secure in your situation. If you are in hostile territory, remember that the smoke, smell and light from your fire may reveal your location. Light reflects from surrounding trees or rocks, making even indirect light a source of danger. Smoke tends to go straight up in cold, calm weather, making it a beacon during the day, but helping to conceal the smell at night. In warmer weather, especially in a wooded area, smoke tends to hug the ground, making it less visible in the day but making its odor spread.

If you are in enemy territory, cut low tree boughs rather than the entire tree for firewood. Fallen trees are easily seen from the air.

All wood will burn, but some types of wood create more

The liquid state of these products is deceptive in that it can cause frostbite.

Some plastic products, such as disposable spoons, helmet visors, visor housings and foam rubber, will ignite quickly from a burning match. They will also burn long enough to help start a fire. For example, a plastic spoon will burn for about 10 minutes.

In cold weather regions, there are some hazards in using fires, whether to keep warm or to cook. For example - * Fires have been known to burn underground, resurfacing nearby. Therefore, do not build a fire too close to a shelter.

* In snow shelters, excessive heat will melt the insulating layer of snow.

* A fire inside a shelter lacking adequate ventilation can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

* A person trying to get warm or to dry clothes may become careless and burn or scorch his clothing and equipment.

* Melting overhead snow may get you wet, bury you and your equipment, and possibly extinguish your