Control of incendiary bomb. (Pouring on Sand from Scoop). The method of dealing with incendiary bombs is described on Cards Nos. 13 to 17. In this picture the girl has taken sand from the container and is pouring it on to the bomb with a long-handled scoop. Sand does not extinguish the magnesium bomb, but it controls it and reduces the heat, thus allowing near approach. Note the Redhill container (described on Card No.17) placed on its side in a way that full scoopfuls of sand can easily be withdrawn. After the first scoopful of sand has been placed on the bomb, the glare and heat are greatly reduced. (No.15)
Notes
The use of sand or earth on an incendiary bomb was an alternative method to using water, as the latter caused the bomb to burn faster to extinction. Smothering a bomb reduced the heat, but the bomb could still be burning through the floor underneath the sand, hence the need to scoop it up and dispose of it. The Redhill Container had been developed by 1937, but the stirrup pump soon became the main weapon for household use, as it could also be used to tackle fires that the use of sand would not put out, such as burning curtains. The smothering method was better for use on non-inflammable surfaces and where the risk of fire spreading was minimal and the bomb could be left safely to burn out, for example in a road or field.
References
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