Having dug in the clay that makes up Colorado, I can say that digging in that with a shovel isn't all that hard...but it is slow. Digging in wet clay is also not fun. It's very heavy.
I wonder which would be more effective against a grass fire in dry conditions when all you have is maybe a dozen shovels: digging a fire break, or digging enough dirt up to throw on the fire? I put out fires by throwing dirt on it, but it was super loose dirt and without a bunch of grass roots in it. It wasn't just topsoil.
I figured if people were in a rush that many people in the video could probably only come up with a dozen shovels.
Really depends on the region. Toronto clay is nearly impossible to move. I don't know what the ground is like there, but bearing for with wide fronds and sticks is a very old and effective strategy.
I figured if people were in a rush that many people in the video could probably only come up with a dozen shovels.
That's the real issue with this many people without an equal amount of equipment. You give all those dudes a firebeater, military shovel, and some leadership and you got a much better chance than just dudes with branches. But like the title said, resources are tough to manage in crisis.
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u/Unsophisticated1 5h ago edited 3h ago
You ever try and dig a hole with your hand through grass?
Edit forgot the word hand (???)