Petrol Braai (Barbeque) 
2005 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance
A number of years ago I was preparing to braai some meat (barbeque for the northern hemisphere folks) and had placed some paper on the braai and covered it with wood. My “firelighter” was petrol and this was housed in a 5 litre (1 gallon) container below the braai. I proceeded to pour petrol over the paper and wood and then replaced the container. Unbeknown to me, the petrol that I had poured onto the braai had dripped onto the container and when I set the paper and wood alight, I saw a flame running down on to the container, which then ignited. Unfortunately, the container was practically full, as I had topped it up the day before.
When I noticed this, I immediately ran for “cover” inside my house but without my wits about me, I then closed the glass doors leading to the braai area thinking this would shield me from any expolsion. Anyone who knows about bomb threats is well aware that all doors and windows should be opened to avoid glass turning into shrapnel if there is an explosion.
Anyway, after much waiting, I might add by looking through the glass doors that were closed, the container did not explode. Once I thought it was safe to venture outside, I noticed that I had been saved by the natural elements. The container had rusted quite badly due to it's exposure to these natural elements and the holes at the top had not allowed the pressure to build up to the extent that it would explode.
Needless to say, I still light fires with petrol but place the container well away from the fire.
Submitted on 01/07/2005
Submitted by:
Grant Thiel (South Africa)
Reference:
N/A- Personal Account
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