layback40 is partially correct on the term (ANFO for Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil). The material is not actually classed as an explosive, due to its desensitized nature (is classed as a blasting agent). He is also correct in that it does take quite a kick to ignite, and must be dry (does not tolerate water).

Ammonium Nitrate is not the same grade as fertilizer, and fuel amount (diesel)is critical.

Burns at a rate of approximately 13,000ft/sec (slow), but generates enormous gas pressure. Used extensively in the mining and quarrying industry. Can be ignited with SOB (slip on boosters) of essentially C-4, or other cast boosters (high energy explosive "primers"). Electric, NONEL (non-electric), and electronic caps are typical means of detonating the booster, but "fuse" still works and fuse caps are still available.

a 50# bag can be set on fire and it will not detonate, but just smolder/burn...

Det cord (PrimaCord, etc), shock tube, and percussive caps are usual means of setting off a charge. In quarrying, a typical "round" would consist of ANFO, 1# cast Booster, cap, det cord, shock tube, shotgun primer, and stomper (literally stomp on the device to fire the shotgun primer, which sets of the powder in the shock tube, which sets off the powder in the cap line, which detonates the PETN in the cap, which detonates the cast booster, which sets off the ANFO.

Did not watch the Green Hornet episode all the way thru, so I will not comment on the lines of "fire" seen, other than to say, it is not too uncommon to use redundant lines, one to fire, and a second if the first does not set off the charge. It is therefore possible that in the case you mention, two lines were run, and the det cord burned from the initiator to the charge, and back along the second line. If the first line had not fired, the second would have been fired with another initiator, thereby allowing for a second attempt without someone having to return to the charge to "re-wire"...

Incidentally, IIRC, detcord burns at about 18,000ft/sec. It can be wrapped around a tree several times, and cut the tree down... Lain out on the ground, it will produce quite a "bang" itself, which is why shock tube is used to run from the initiator to the round (too help control noise), rather than all det cord, as was done in the Mythbusters episode... Of course, cost is also a big factor!

All in all... Kinda cool!

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RM Smith
1988 560SL

"Where is it again that we are going, and why are we in this handbasket"?