Chemistry lab fire at Strive Prep school sends 4 students to hospital (and follow-up)

smh...smdh...methanol, folks...just don't use methanol at all.

AT ALL

Unless you are professionally trained in safe handling of methanol - and I'm going to say that I don't feel confident that I'm well enough trained to use methanol safely - don't use methanol in any demonstration.

Yes, it burns nearly colorless making it an outstanding fuel for flame test demonstrations, but that's also the reason it's so remarkably dangerous. The nearly colorless flame is too easy to miss when you go to refuel the flames. 

It's not worth the risk.

Denver 7 did some follow-up stories - including one where they show the rainbow demonstration and discuss the risks and safety requirements. I'll post those videos after the jump.