Fire Protection

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I have some welding repairs to make on some apartment unit stairs. But there is alot of pine straw below. Usually, I wet the ground so if an sparks do make it down there, they are easily put out. But I would rather use another method. I have looked at welding blankets, but they seem very pricey. Is there another route to take? What other procedure would you use?
Reply:You could dump a fire ext first.  I suggest getting rid of the fire hazard before you strike an arc.  I have had some hair raising experiences.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I would try to remove the hazard first..... a fire watch is always another idea._________________Chris
Reply:You should have a charged waterhose nearby.  A fire extiguisher is limited in it effectiveness but a wise idea.  A proper fire watch entails having a second person who does nothing but watch for sparks and potential fuel.  Fire watch does not stop operations for lunch or coffee break.  Firewatch must continue for at least on half hour after all hot operations have ceased.   If you take these precautions you will have no problem answering to an insurance investigator otherwise you could be in debt for the rest of your life paying for lost property.
Reply:I don't know,The idea of getting water anywhere near electrical current that I have to control makes me a little tense (I know,.....they weld underwater; but it is one of the most dangerous professions in the world for a reason!)  Damp feet, gloves, earth, materials, equipment, or anything else in the area could result in feeling current that ranges from a tickle to a knockout jolt!  Buy a cheap leaf blower or rake, and a good fire extinguisher and remove the hazard. cricman
Reply:Things I have caught on fire:forkliftS,  Hay bailer, Trucks, and things I cleaned with solvent that I dind't dry off properly.  And of course my self.  (polyester sucks)Lorenzo and Lotechman have it.  Get another person.  Fires start while you are welding and YOU don't know it.  Even if its your clothes.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Keep a bucket of lightly soapy water around if something does catch fire and it's small enough to dunk, the soap will allow the water to break surface tension and make sure the stuff goes out.  You can also use the water to douse smaller fire that are a little too big to dunk.  We use foam all the time at the FD and it really makes extinguishing straw and similar fires easier.