Jon Butt - Articles

Fire Fighting Fakery: The Problem With "Backdraft"

Fire fighting, especially in recent times, has gotten a reputation as one of the most romantic and noble professions anyone could commit himself to. And it's by no means a new phenomenon: the romance of battling the flames was central to the success of the 1991 Ron Howard film, Backdraft. But how well does the fakery of fire fighters' lives stand up to the reality? Read

By: Jon Butt | 31/07/2008 | Careers

WALL-E: Film Fun With A Fire Extinguisher

Can Pixar's latest film, WALL-E, have a fire safety message? Of course it can and kids will take more notice if they see it at the movies Read

By: Jon Butt | 24/07/2008 | Movies

Car Extinguishers And Old Glory: No Answers For Arson

Car extinguishers alone couldn't save the day when a massive fire broke out at an auto shop in Boise, Idaho. Fortunately the fire department were able to make it to the scene quickly enough to stop the problem. But what, if anything, did the incident have to do with the massive American flag painted on the roof? Read

By: Jon Butt | 18/07/2008 | Cars

When First Aid Kits Fail: The Basics Of First Aid In Emergencies

A first aid kit is a vital tool in emergencies, but what are you supposed to do if you don't have one handy? By following the ABCs of artificial respiration and remembering a few simple facts about blood loss, you can still avoid disaster in emergency situations. Read

By: Jon Butt | 14/07/2008 | Health

Fire Marshal Discovers Arson--And Humanity

When the Texas Governor's mansion was burned down in 2008, the investigators all suspected arson was behind it. And in the end, fire marshal Paul Maldonado concluded that yes, arson was to blame. But his attitudes about the arsonist are perhaps even more surprising than his conclusions about the fire. Read

By: Jon Butt | 04/07/2008 | Careers