How do I tell if material is fire proof?

[Teach-D]

I have an old Cabella's portable fold up, four hole fish house that I am revamping. It was given to me by a friend for free. How do I tell if the material is fireproof and what is the best way to get ventilation in the house, also can I hang a coleman lantern in the house at the same time I have a "sunflower" propane heater on? any help would be appreciated!

[rap]

1: poor gasoline on it 2: throw a match on it 3: see if a hole is burned in the tarp... sorry but i had to be a smart *** on that one

[Muskieguy]

Take a match to you shack if it burns the material is not fire proof...no just kidding..not sure how to help you with that one..My buddy and I run a Sunflower and 2 gas lanterns in our 5X6 4 hole portable...we keep the lanterns on the floor between each set of holes. We have 2 zipper doors and we leave the downwind door partially unzipped for O2. I am not sure what you mean by fold up, but if your house doesn't have any zipper doors, I would let O2 in every so often by what ever means necessary, exiting and entering every 20 minutes to take a wizz is usually enough..buy a batery operated CO2 detector for safety too..

[Ya Hey Der]

Check the fabric for any type of tags that would either have the model number or what it is made of. If you are lucky enough to get a model number, I would take that and call Cabelas to see if they have any records of this fabric. I wonder if 3M makes a flame retardant spray for fabric. You may want to check into something like this and just spray it down to be safe.
Good luck.

[Teach-D]

Thank you all for your answers, these are all great ideas. Especially the one about the matches etc... that was a real hooooot. I know ask a foolish question get a smart*** j/k. The fish house floor folds into two with hinges and is held together by two handles like a suitcase. It does have zippers so I will let 02 in. Will the heater be too warm. Just asking some of you "experts," about these things. Thank you for all input.

[Poutmaster]

LOL on the matches.....To answer your other questions, I've fished in a similar style "mankato" house and hung the lanter in the center and used the heater as well. It all depends on how cold out it is. Sometimes the lantern will be enough, other times you'll need to crank both items full blast. Either way, always keep the door zipper open a good 6 inches.

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Love them 'Pout!

[Muskieguy]

Teach,

I probably have the same one as you. Basically it puts up like a tent, with a few metal poles and a wood floor you add yourself. Like I said before we run 2 lanterns and a sunflower heater. On a few occasions we will turn the heater off, but mostly when it is below freezing the lowest setting on our 1 burner sunflower is just enough for us to sit with jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Nice thing about the sunflower, on high it heats our house in about 30 seconds. So even on really cold days the bibs and jackets are left in the truck. If you do have the same tent style house as me, I will give you a little tip. Before starting to take down the tent, slide the house away from the holes..I lost on of the poles down a hole one time..

Muskieguy

[Teach-D]

I would just like to thank all of you out there for your helpful ideas. Reading some of the feedback definitely motivates me to get the old bugger fixed up, (was free from a friend so anything I put into it is gravy.) I really want to get some "eyes," this year. Again thanks, and good luck fishing to all!

[lucky7]

Hey teach:

I hate to ask the obvious, but are you a teacher?

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lucky7

[Guest]

Is there a material on a portable that is fireproof? Most have fire "Retardants" on them that slows the flame but are not fire "Proof" I would check with Cabellas, and see what they say about a spray. I deal with the cleaning of carpet and fabrics and upholstry and I know about scotch guard but nothing about a fire proof.
Good luck and when all else fails just dont put hot things by it and it wont catch fire.

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This is 100% what its all about...

[CNY Tim]

I know from experience that the ice armor fabric that comes with fishtraps is fire retardant. I know unfortunately from experience. Last season I ventured out of my trap when the wind was calm and talked to a couple of buddies of mine when I returned there was a 6" x 6" hole where my Coleman Focus III heater came in contact with it. It melted but did not flame up. Lesson learned and I want to thank Paul at USL for the patch. NEVER CLOSE YOUR FISHTRAP AND LEAVE UNATTENDED WITH THE HEATER ON.

[Teach-D]

Lucky7, Yes I am a teacher. I am a special ed. teacher so I really value my time on the ice! Take that for what you will, I know their are a lot harder jobs out there, that pay less. I do appreciate a lot of things about being a teacher. Again, thanks to everyone that has replied on the issue of heat and portable fishhouses.

[lucky7]

Teach:

I can relate. I have gone over to the dark side...I am a school administrator-asst. prin. I too appreciate my time on the ice. Keep up the good work and enjoy the hard water season!

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lucky7