Fire in the hole

Posted by Roger Q Callaway on March 16, 2009 at 15:24

Did the discussion of "Fire in the hole!" come to a resolution? Here is my version. In the old days of mining, dynomite was detonated by a dynamite cap, which was detonated by a fuse. The fuse burned slowly, and at a known rate. The progress of the burn could be seen by looking at the fuse. Usually, the drill hole was not loaded to the hole collar. Once the fire on the fuse goes in the hole, two things are clear. The blast is imminent , and there is no way to stop it. Thus the cry of blasters to this day, even if they are using electrical detonation systems. I have no printed reference.

• Fire in the hole ESC 16/March/09