Hazards Associated with Flame Fougasse (Foo Gas, Phu Gas, Phugas)

 

Basic elements of a flame fougasse:

(1) an empty barrel (such as a 50 gallon drum) or tube, typically tilted at a 45 degree angle

(2) an explosive charge at the base

(3) a flammable liquid above the explosive that is discharged and ignited by the explosive charge, often thickened to be like napalm

 

These are often improvised and can show considerable variation depending on what is added to the mix.

 

Hazards to anyone within range:

(1) severe thermal burn

(2) blast and shrapnel from the explosive device used to discharge the flammable liquid (grenade, claymore, etc)

(3) whatever debris was added to flammable liquid

 

The hazard increases if more than one device converge on the same point.

 

Problems that can occur:

(1) accidental or premature detonation

(2) deterioration of the explosive or flammable liquid over time

(3) failure of the ignition system