In a world filled with rioters armed with Molotov cocktails and commercial fireworks, we have to consider fire as a weapon used against us. I’ve given advice to police officers facing flammable liquids. I’ve also written about dealing with thrown Molotov cocktails. Today’s installment will take a look at a more pedestrian use of fire as a weapon.
Last week I saw an attack in California where the attacker doused two people with gasoline and attempted to set them on fire. Read the article below for more details.
Horrifying moment California man walks into pizza joint kitchen armed with a knife, douses cook with lighter fluid and tries to set him on fire
Part of the attack was also caught on video.
Man tries to set pizza employees on fire
Have you considered how you might respond to such an incident? Here are some tips.
1) Distance equals safety. Fire is almost like an extended range contact weapon. If you can get out of range of the thrown liquid and the flame you will be safe. That should be your prime goal. The attacker probably isn’t going to be able to throw a significant amount of gasoline on you if you are at least 20 feet away. If you can get that far (and the attackers don’t advance) you will be safe, at least temporarily. Why are you worrying about doing anything other than running? Getting a barrier between you and the bad guy might also be an excellent strategy.
As you make your escape, have you thought about clothing considerations? Could you run away in high heels or dress shoes? Do you wear clothes made of synthetic fibers that will quickly catch fire and/or melt? If I saw even one of these attacks in my area, I wouldn’t leave the house unless I was wearing shoes I could run in and all natural fiber (cotton and wool) clothing.
2) In contrast, proximity equals safety as well. If you can’t get away, close the distance and try to latch on to the attacker. Attempt to take away the lighter. He may be less likely to turn you into a burning torch if he knows that doing so will set him on fire as well. In this case, the bad guy was also armed with a knife which might make this option less desirable.
3) Do you have the ability to extinguish the flames? I carry a full size dry chemical fire extinguisher in my car. I also have a Tundra fire extinguisher within reach of the driver’s seat. No one says you can’t carry a Mini Firefighter extinguisher in your back pocket whenever yo are attending a public event with a large number of people and the risk of people utilizing fire as a weapon.
If you don’t have an extinguisher, stop, drop, and roll. Kill the flames with a blanket or coat. If all else fails, you can use a can of soft drink to stop the flames.
4) Pepper spray is a viable option. Most pepper spray streamer units will travel farther than someone can throw gasoline. Get out of range and hose the guy down with OC. It would probably be best not to carry OC that uses rubbing alcohol as a carrier agent. If he touches the flammable stream with his blow torch, it may set your hand/OC unit on fire.
5) A blade may be better than a gun. If the bad guy is spraying everyone with a flammable liquid, do you want to fire a gunshot? I don’t. I would prefer not to inadvertently torch an innocent person from an errant spark. A knife may be messier, but in this scenario it might prove to be a better option.
6) Don’t forget additional weapons. This dude also had a knife on his person. Be careful when engaging. Never assume that the flame is his only weapon.
I hope you never have to face fire as a weapon. If you do, please remember these simple tips.
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