On Tuesday morning I burned three large machines at an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) construction site in Portland. They were destroying the forest hillside on the south side of the st. johns bridge to protect highway infrastructure.
ODOT construction sites, and highway construction in general, often leave expensive (and highly flammable!) specialized equipment unattended and unsecured overnight, making them easy targets. ODOT is planning major highway expansion in the Portland area over the next few years, despite long campaigns by Youth vs ODOT and other environmentalist groups. Acting through the political system is a futile and insufficient response to the current crisis, as capitalism must continue its endless growth no matter how bad things get. The highway system can only expand if we allow it to. With some creativity, courage, and determination, capital is far more vulnerable than it would have you believe.
I used plastic 1 gallon milk jugs filled with gasoline. A flare attached to the side of the container (so that it sticks out past it) makes for a convenient delay, burning down for 5-10 minutes before the flame reaches the plastic and ignites the gasoline, leaving plenty of time to get away before the fire starts. You can steal flares from most large hardware stores and car supply stores. I placed each milk jug underneath the engines of the machinery, where the heat would rise to the most flammable and critical components.
It was easy, fun, and I think I’ll do it again. You should too!
XOXOXO
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