By Cheri Sicard
Holy exploding rocks, Batman! The video below could literally save a life or at minimum a whole lot of pain. TheBackyardScientist (6.18M subscribers, 1,034,725,003[!] views) shows you why.
The video has two parts. He tests the theory that molten aluminum in concrete can make it explode. OK, interesting enough. But more importantly for us campers and RVers is the danger that can happen when you have rocks, and more specifically wet rocks, in a campfire. That is also put to the test.
Our host heard, back when he was in the Boy Scouts, that putting wet rocks in a campfire can make them explode like grenades. Not content to take others’ word for it, he was determined to put it to the test. And he tests it with a bunch of different types of rocks such as granite, jade, slate, some river rocks, and a block of rocks with cement.
Dry rocks
The first test involved only rocks that were dry.
Once he gathered the rocks, he set them all on fire and moved away. It took about eight minutes before he saw the first bit of action. Yes, the dry rocks did split and explode. But they weren’t quite grenade-like.
Wet rocks
He then repeated the experiment with rocks that had been soaked in water. The theory being that the heating water puts extra pressure on the rocks, causing them to explode.
It only took a couple of minutes before the wet rocks started exploding and flinging shrapnel as far as 20 feet away.
Inexplicably, the host concluded it wasn’t that big a deal, and you would be safe even if you did put wet rocks in your campfire. I beg to differ. If you got hit in the wrong place with a flying bit of fiery rock, it could cause some serious injuries. Not to mention flying embers could accidentally start another fire.
To my mind, it simply is not worth the risk and I will be keeping rocks OUT of my campfires, with the possible exception of granite, which does not absorb water. At least according to the Backyard Scientist.
He concludes the video by setting the previously mentioned concrete on fire and it does indeed explode, but it turns out water is the culprit here, too. Conclusion? Water and campfires don’t mix, unless you are dousing the fire.
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RVT1218
Thank you, Cheri! I had never heard or read that wet rocks explode in a campfire. I will try to remember this and avoid having wet rocks near a campfire. Too easy to then get put in the fire. Have a great week and safe travels!
Campfires are a major part of the camping experience for many. We just enjoy taking in our surroundings without a fire. My only request/ suggestion for campgrounds is to please ask all campers who burn campfires is to please extinguish completely before retiring for the night. The smoke is far worse than the fire for those of use who enjoy open windows. Many leave their fires, go into their air-conditioned rv and leave the smoke to smolder all night long. Enjoy your fire – extinguish after use.