An andiron or firedog, fire-dog or fire dog is a bracket support, normally found in pairs, on which logs are laid for burning in an open fireplace, so that air may circulate under the firewood, allowing better burning and less smoke. … An andiron is sometimes called a dog or dog-iron.
Why are fire dogs so called?
Sometimes called a dog iron, the firedog gets its name from the four-legged appearance of the andiron on its supports. A feature of the fireplace since Ancient Greek times, the firedog was often used to hold a spit.
Do you need andirons?
Although it is no longer necessary to cook in the fireplace, it is quite an enjoyable activity. The only things needed for cooking with andirons are andirons with spit hooks, a spit and a drip tray if fat comes off the food. You can thread all kinds of food onto the spit and grill or cook it.
What is the purpose of andirons?
But the andirons also have a practical function: they serve as a rack to elevate the firewood above the chamber floor and to prevent logs from rolling out of the fireplace. Andirons are designed to provide a space underneath the firewood for the lighter and more flammable materials that are used to start a fire.
How do you use a fireplace dog?
Place the tinder directly on the floor between the andirons. Arrange the tinder in a loose pile with plenty of airspace in the pile. Tightly packed material is harder to ignite and will create excessive smoke. Adjust the placement of the andirons to accommodate the length of your firewood logs or cord wood.
Are Dalmatians still used as fire dogs?
Dalmatians continue to guard firefighters’ possessions, but instead of running alongside fire trucks, they ride inside of them. The dogs are also known to catch and kill rats that have taken up residence in firehouses. One firehouse that continues to have a Dalmatian is Fire Department New York City’s Ladder 20.
Do firefighters still use dogs?
Dalmatians and horses are very compatible, so the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the engines to help clear a path and guide the horses and the firefighters to the fires quickly. They are still chosen by many fire fighters as pets in honor of their heroism in the past.
What kind of dogs do firefighters have?
Dalmatians are perhaps best known for their role as fire-fighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. Since Dalmatians and horses are very compatible, the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires.
Are fire dogs real?
These days, an awful lot of firefighters have pet Dalmatians, and firehouses around the country still have Dalmatians as station dogs. However, Dalmatians aren’t the only dog in the firehouse. It’s become common for firefighters (and sometimes entire fire teams) to adopt dogs rescued from fires.
Why are andirons so expensive?
Some of the more valuable andirons were fashioned in the East, such as in Pennsylvania. Other factors that will affect price include the unusual shape of the andirons, who designed them and the materials from which they are made. Generally, andirons made of brass or copper will bring more cash than iron.
What is a fireplace fender used for?
Fireplace fenders are intended to prevent ash from entering the room from the fireplace, for example due to drafts or someone walking by. They also have significant decorative value.
Are fireplace screens necessary?
A fireplace screen is needed to help prevent any hot embers from spitting out into the room, which is particularly important when the fireplace located is near wooden floor or carpet. … ‘Use a metal mesh or screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.
How do you use fireplace andirons?
How To Use Andirons
- Place the andirons parallel to each other with the horizontal pieces facing in toward the fire and the vertical pieces at the front. …
- Pile tinder and kindling on the floor of the fireplace between the andirons.
What are fireplace irons?
Shaped like an ”L,” they were developed from crude iron bars called ”hand irons” and were used to lift logs up off the hearth floor to increase air circulation underneath for a more robust fire.
Do you need a fireplace grate with andirons?
Fireplace andirons provide a better draft in the fireplace, better burning of the wood (environmental aspect) and hold the wood so that it cannot easily roll out of the fireplace (safety). No grate is required when using large logs or tree trunks. … The grate must also fit on the beams of the andirons.
What is a fire dog in Chinese astrology?
The Fire Dog specifically represents those born in 1956 and 2006. It is a sub-component of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac. Each zodiac sign has its own element: Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal and Water, which add more uniqueness and characteristics to the sign.
What do logs sit on in a fireplace?
A rack also holds the logs off the ground. This keeps away bugs and lets the wood dry out more effectively. Grates secure wood-burning logs inside the fireplace so they don’t fall and roll into your living space. Andirons also serve the same purpose with a more decorative flair.
How tall should andirons be?
The rule of thumb for andiron height is one-half to three-quarters of the height of the fireplace opening, but this isn’t written in stone. It is only common sense that a large fireplace requires larger fittings; they will look better and can handle the larger-size logs you will be burning.
Why is a fire engine red?
These volunteers didn’t have much money, and red was the cheapest color of paint to use, so they painted their fire trucks red. … Because red was the most expensive color of paint, volunteers used red to make their fire trucks stand out as a source of pride.
Why do firefighters have mustaches?
For Bombard, a mustache is more than just personal preference, it’s a connection. In the old days firefighter would have long mustaches and beards, he said. Bombard said the facial hair was said to be used as a filter when wet down to prevent smoke from going into the lungs.
Do firefighters still slide down a pole?
Due to the oftentimes unsafe speeds involved with descending fire poles, many stations that still utilize a multi-story structure are replacing the poles with fire slides. This allows the firefighters to drop from a higher floor to the ground floor quickly, but much more safely.
Why did Dalmatians become fire dogs?
Since their trucks were actually horse-drawn carriages, they chose Dalmatians as the firehouse dog because of their natural compatibility with horses. … The dogs were very protective of the firehouse, the horses, and the truck, often fending off competing firefighters that planned to sabotage their competitors.
How much is a Dalmatian dog worth?
You can expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $3000 for a Dalmatian puppy. The average cost is around $900 from a reputable breeder, but you could pay more or less, depending on where you purchase the puppy and where they are being bred.
Why do dogs like fires?
Dogs are warm-blooded creatures, meaning that they produce their own body heat, which circulates throughout their bodies via their blood. … The warmth of the fire comforts dogs and makes them feel lazy and sleepy, and if you’ve ever enjoyed a good snooze in front of a fire, then you should be able to relate!
Are Dalmatians aggressive dogs?
Dalmatians are highly energetic, playful and sensitive dogs. … Some Dalmatians can be reserved with strangers and aggressive toward other dogs; others are timid if they are not well socialized, and yet others can be high-strung.
When did Dalmatians become fire dogs?
Dalmatians have a history as stable guards and carriage dogs dating back to the 1700s. The FDNY began utilizing Dalmatians are fire dogs to accompany carriages as early in the 1870s.
Are Dalmatians mean?
Dalmatians are intelligent, playful, active, protective, gentle, social and relatively non-aggressive. They’re patient and generally good with children, too. When Dalmatians are left alone too much or improperly socialized, their impressive intelligence can lead to digging, scratching and chewing.
Are Dalmatians working dogs?
People have put Dalmatians to work as hunting dogs, draft dogs, shepherds, and guard dogs, but perhaps most notable was their debut on stage and in the circus. Their distinctive appearance and retentive memory made them natural performers, and Dalmatians clowned and performed tricks to the delight of their audiences.
Why are Dalmatians so aggressive?
Dalmatians are usually aggressive because of bad breeding or a lack of attention. Some owners fail to realize that Dalmatians are high-maintenance dogs. They require a ton of supervision, attention, and exercise. They can get aggressive, destructive, and dangerous when they are ignored or left alone for long periods.
Are Dalmatians born deaf?
Approximately eight percent of Dalmatians are born completely deaf and 22 to 24 percent are born with hearing in one ear only. All puppies are born with their ears closed. … Dogs that are used for breeding should have been tested for deafness, and many breeders test puppies before they are sent to their new homes.
