My old coal forge almost burned down my shed in Spokane last fall

For years I just banked the fire at night and left it, thinking the ash would smother it. One morning I found the firepot still glowing and the wooden floor under it charred. Now I always drown the fire completely with a bucket of water and stir the clinkers out before I leave the shop, no exceptions. Has anyone else had a close call like that with a banked fire?