Tianjin, China Explosion What Went Wrong?

Think of this as the ultimate 'Big Bang Cannon'. Apparently there was huge amount of calcium carbide being stored there. A quick check with Wikipedia indicates "These toys operate by introducing a little carbide into a chamber containing some water where it reacts immediately to release acetylene gas".



Unfortunately the first thing fire fighters did unknowingly was to spray water on the fire which led to creating huge amounts of highly explosive acetylene gas. It also was reported fertilizer was being stored along side in nearby proximity to this storage area. Fertilizers which contained ammonium nitrates creating a secondary bomb like condition. A recipe for certain disaster.

I tend to think of this as a cautionary tale for our own fire fighters arriving on scene who may not be fully aware of all the hazards they may face. One fella I knew who volunteered with Tamaqua was alarmed when he found out the water cannon he was operating was spraying across a hot 8,000 volt electric line he thought was deactivated. but was not. Another who sawed through a roof (standard procedure) to discover the roof he was standing on could have collapsed beneath any given second.

I salute firefighters everywhere. Unlike police whom may be able to engage in negotiations with those they come across fire has no such consciousness. It kills indiscriminately all those it engages. Police may have the time or other alternatives to resolve a situation whereas fire fighters have none other then to destroy their adversary or succumb to it in whatever time the fire itself dictates.