Fire in the hole

Posted by ESC on March 16, 2009 at 17:18

In Reply to: 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.

I don't think we came to a conclusion. We can and often do carry on a discussion for years. Your explanation sounds good to me. (My father was a W.Va. coal miner but he didn't talk shop at home. Mostly he rested and got ready for the next day.)