BEST fireman extinguished a small LNG fire several times with nothing more than a common fire extinguisher used in homes and businesses. For a larger fire, the firemen again used a dry chemical, but this time added something surprising to the mix — “for all practical purposes, they used dishwashing soap,” White said.

Port Arthur fireman Mark Sastre said he enjoyed Thursday’s training session and learned a lot about what to expect if a LNG fire were to occur.

“I think with the new LNG terminals being constructed in Sabine Pass, it is important that we learn about the hazards involved. Just in case of an accident,” he said. “From what I have seen, LNG is a very stable gas. You know, there are pros and cons to everything, but LNG appears to have a positive safety record.”

Sastre said the knowledge gained at Thursday’s demonstration would be taken back to the Port Arthur fire departments and shared with other officers.

And while the LNG demonstration was intended to be educational, there were some moments that left audience members entertained and awestruck.

BEST firemen showed off their “cool drink of water” by pouring a five gallon bucket of LNG on the ground. Cold vapors swept across the ground, but ultimately harmed nothing.

A rubber boot left in the LNG pit, however, could not boast such a pleasant ending.

A fire fighter struck the frosty boot with a hammer only three times before hundreds of little icy particles littered the ground. And a steel beam left in the pit too long was completely dissolved by the chill — leaving behind only the rope once tied to the beam dangling in the wind.

“We want fireman to understand, you cannot just put your hand in this stuff unless you want to lose a finger,” White said.

Learn more about LNG and watch footage of Thursday’s demonstration at www.panews.com.