Shop Fire

[Ruppstang]

When I arrived at my shop yesterday morning I opened the door and could not see for the smoke. There had been a fire burning in one of my work benches over night.
I had parked the 68 Shelby in the shop to do some work on it today. Every thing is covered in ash and tar, but I feel very luck to still have my business, tools and car! Now the days of cleaning will start.

 

[prototypefan]

somebody said a prayer

I'd be buying a lottery ticket.....today!!!

That is an incredible outcome in light of the alternative.

Can you share what the cause was as a reminder for all of us to learn how careful we all need to be.


I'm sure your gutted but the pics look like the ultimate barn find Shelby. I'd be thinking of that the entire time I was cleaning.

 

[stangfan]

Talk about a close call!

 

[franklinair]

When I built my new shop, the alarm system includes smoke detectors. Minimal cost compared to potential savings.
Any clues as to the fire source?

Neil

 

[hatchdog]

I went into town today for a Dr. appointment and while I was gone my wife decided to clean out the wood stove. I called her on my way home and she told me about cleaning the stove. I had built a fire today and told her that the ashes were probably still hot. Sure enough she went out to the garage (which contains our GT/CS btw) and the paper bag she put the ashes in was smoking. Fortunately she was able to move it outside to the gravel drive so not harm done. A funny/nearly tragic aside, after reading Marty’s post I thought to myself, these things come in three’s. Time to get an ash bucket I guess.

So happy Marty’s Shelby wasn’t permanently damaged!

Mike

 

[Ruppstang]

The cause has not yet been determined but the night before I had use a propane torch that is kept in a plumbing box below that bench. It was not hot when I put it a way so I have no idea how it could have started the fire. The was a Pex water line crimper in that box with cast aluminum handles that melted. I am amazed and so grateful it went out. This would have been a much different story if it had burned to the wall end of the bench the cabinet above had my stain, finish and paint.
Marty

 

[68 special]

WOW, you both are lucky!!! Yup, time to buy a ticket, $$$$.

We lost 1 valuable car, we don't to lose more!!!

So, be extra careful out there. I'm glad everything turned out ok, less a toolbox!

It's a good time to check fire extinguishers and alarms.

I'll be checking mine tomorrow.


Bret

 

[mbsf1970]

Dang Marty! What a complete bit of good fortune....all things considered. Glad my Shelby is only dusty!

 

[Ruppstang]

Dang Marty! What a complete bit of good fortune....all things considered. Glad my Shelby is only dusty!

I wish that it was only dusty. The tar and stink is through out the interior, my white insurance card inside the glove box is grey. The engine that I had concours detailed will have to be pull out to be cleaned or possibly repainted.

It has always been my plan to restore it, this may be the reason to start.

Here is the smoking gun, the propane torch. Note the crimpers with the aluminum handles that are melted.

 

[Mosesatm]

If that building is on your homeowners policy the insurance company will pay for the cleanup.

 

[robert campbell]

Wow! Marty my friend, you cashed in some of the goodness points you have garnered over the years by helping people in our hobby!

Your Guardian Angle was looking over you!!

Rob

 

[mbsf1970]

I wish that it was only dusty. The tar and stink is through out the interior, my white insurance card inside the glove box is grey. The engine that I had concours detailed will have to be pull out to be cleaned or possibly repainted.

It has always been my plan to restore it, this may be the reason to start.

Here is the smoking gun, the propane torch. Note the crimpers with the aluminum handles that are melted.

Sorry to hear that Marty! We had a fire in our high school
when I attended there and I can remember well what a stinky mess it was to clean out my locker which was located near the blaze. students were all handed a garbage bag upon first day back and we were required to empty our lockers. Lots of soot and smoke damage! Better than losing it all but still a pain to be sure!