How to deal with ash

**wizardofahs** · 06-09-2002, 05:37 PM

I`m not sure if it`s getting any coverage on news elsewhere... but basically right now colorado is on fire. There are a like 15 small fires and 2 really big ones... They are mostly in the mountains but you can see the smoke in the city and the Denver area, there is also a little bit of ash falling on the city. Any special care that should be taken? Is it just like dust that can be dusted off? or might it have some chemical or acidic properties like bird dropings that hurt the finish?

**imported_Intel486** · 06-09-2002, 05:43 PM

That`s a good question. If it does have acidic properties or any other properties, then the only way to make that active is to get it wet either by rain or dew. I`m sure washing it off when you wash your car will not give the acid enough time to soak into the clearcoat.

Ash is also pretty light isn`t it? I`m sure quickdetailing or a california duster could safely remove it.

Also, can we get pictures of the fire?

**wizardofahs** · 06-09-2002, 05:47 PM

that`s what im thinking.

http://www.denverpost.com

there are some pics there... right now that one is 0% contained. The whole metro area (huge area... contains Denver, Aurora, many towns... smells like a fireplace. I`m inside and can smell it. My roomate was working a gunshow this morning and said that ash started falling inside the building like snow.

**wizardofahs** · 06-09-2002, 05:51 PM

from a news article

"FIRES ACROSS COLORADO

The Coal Seam fire was burning out of control late Saturday in Glenwood Springs near where the 1994 Storm King Mountain fire killed 14 firefighters. This fire also comes on the heels of last week`s Iron Mountain fire, the most destructive in Colorado history:

COAL SEAM FIRE

STARTED: Saturday, about 4 miles west of Glenwood Springs

ACRES BURNED: At least 2,000

STATUS: Out of control

HOMES DESTROYED: At least 5 homes and 1 commercial building

EVACUATIONS: 4,000 residents

THREATENED: 500 homes and 100 commercial structures

FIREFIGHTERS: 130

EQUIPMENT: 35 engines

CAUSE: A generations-old coal-seam fire (see graphic) somehow sparked the blaze.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The American Red Cross has established a shelter for evacuees at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley, 3000 County Road 114.

OTHER FIRES NOW BURNING IN COLORADO:

Heyman fire: Started Saturday about 4 miles northwest of Lake George in Park County. The fire burned about 40 acres before it went out of control about 6 p.m. The fire`s origin was unknown. The Park County Sheriff`s Department was evacuating residents of at least 20 homes and visitors to two campgrounds to the Lake George Elementary School, 37888 U.S. 24.

Long Canyon fire: Lightning started the fire about 17 miles north of Mack outside Grand Junction. It has burned 850 acres, and firefighters were worried about oil and gas wells in the area.

"

just to compare... there was a pretty famous fire a few years back..

STORM KING MOUNTAIN FIRE

YEAR: 1994

LIVES LOST: 14 smoke-jumper firefighters

ACRES BURNED: 1,856

STRUCTURES BURNED: 0

FIREFIGHTING COSTS: $400,000

this fire has burned over 5000 acres so far, and they say it`s growing exponentially, at least 500 acres per hour.

**imported_Intel486** · 06-09-2002, 05:59 PM

What all can you see from your house?

**BradE** · 06-09-2002, 07:34 PM

Ash contains sulfuric acid and the ash might actually burn the clear. If the ashs gets on the car it must be decontaminated ASAP.

**DaGonz** · 06-09-2002, 07:55 PM

Ash is a byproduct of the combustion process for solid fuels. The ash content can be acidic depending on the type of woods/trees that have been burning. Oaks are highly acidic, as are evergreens. When mixed with rain, ash can have a detrimental effect on a vehicle finish if the mix is left on for any length of time.

Coal itself is a highly acidic fuel. The coal seam has been smouldering underground for years (like the underground fire in Centralia, PA). Coal seam fires wil flare up when they hit a pocket of methane.

To my firefighting Brothers and Sisters in Colorado...please be careful, we`ve had way too many LODD`s this year !

**BradE** · 06-09-2002, 08:08 PM

Gonzo is right, water and heat will act as an oxidizer and accelerate the damage to the clear.

**imported_Intel486** · 06-09-2002, 08:49 PM

Originally posted by ShowroomLincoln

Ash contains sulfuric acid and the ash might actually burn the clear. If the ashs gets on the car it must be decontaminated ASAP.

Wouldn`t the acid need moisture to get to the paint? Will dry ash landing on your car harm the paint if there is no moisture? Kinda like the new dry bleach. Spilling it on your cloths won`t hurt the cloths unless they are wet or you make the area with the dry bleach on it wet. Wouldn`t it be the same thing?